Protest from residents in Princess islands (Istanbul): Demand for removal of minibuses

The forced introduction of minibuses to Istanbul’s Princes’ Islands by the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM) has sparked protests among the residents. For the past three days, locals have been demonstrating and issued a press statement. The spokesperson for the Friends of the Islands Association, Ataol Behramoğlu (a prominent poet), read the statement, demanding an end to this decision: “I am informing you, demanding, and insisting that you quit this stubbornness.”

On June 15, electric minibuses under the General Directorate of IETT began operating in Büyükada. The introduction of these minibuses has been opposed by the residents from the start, leading to protests where they reminded IMM (Municipality) officials of the promises made before the elections.

In response, IMM reported the situation to the police. When the police arrived, they pushed the residents and detained them. During the demonstrations, Ali Tuğrul Küçükalioğlu, the Head of IETT Metrobüs and Electric Transportation Department, lost his temper with a citizen and ordered a staff member to have the individual detained, acting “like a prosecutor.”

Context and Reaction

The controversy centers around the introduction of electric minibuses to the islands, which the residents oppose, likely due to concerns about changes to the traditional and tranquil lifestyle of the islands, potential environmental impacts, or dissatisfaction with the decision-making process. The forceful response from both the municipality and the police has escalated tensions, leading to a significant public outcry from the islanders.