Besim Tibuk: We Are Abandon Mare Monte Project

Tibuk explained that the original plan was to build a prestige hotel with an emphasis on greenery and without a casino. However, due to subsequent bureaucratic issues, they were forced to abandon the project as there were no viable options left.

In a television interview with Hasan Erçakıca, Tibuk recounted the Mare Monte process and detailed the challenges faced. He mentioned that since the land was designated as a historical site and fell outside the scope of the contract, they proposed either a new contract with the Vakıflar Administration or a refund of their investment. Tibuk emphasized that the legal process has been ongoing for five years, waiting for the Vakıflar Administration to return the deposit.

Tibuk revealed that they have notified all relevant authorities, including the municipality, about their decision to withdraw from the Mare Monte Project. “We no longer want Mare Monte; we want our money back. We have decided to withdraw, and we have informed them to find another investor,” he said.

Recalling the state of the Mare Monte Beach before the 2006 tender process, Tibuk noted that it was closed to the public. After acquiring the land, they opened the beach to the public and handed over its operation to the municipality. However, Tibuk accused the mayor of exploiting the situation by inciting public opposition against them and using the beach to garner support, despite the fact that they had provided amenities like loungers for the public.

Tibuk criticized the current narrative that portrays the local government as fighting against a large imperialist company, pointing out that the public benefited from the beach’s accessibility only because of their initial investment. He concluded by stating that they will not pursue any further investment and that the public can continue to use the beach free of charge, acknowledging that they have been paying rent for 17 years while others have used it for free.