Local associations demand urgent removal of a shipwreck in Demircili Cove, Urla, to protect the environment and community interests.
The Altınköy Cove Protection Association and the Urla Mariners Association held a protest in response to the shipwreck left in Demircili Cove, located in the Urla district of İzmir. Citizens gathered in front of the shipwreck, demanding that the ship be transported to Aliağa as soon as possible without causing further damage.
Urla Mayor Selçuk Balkan, who spoke first, reminded that their protests have now lasted three months and stated that they would not end their actions until the ship is removed from the area. Balkan conveyed that the ship would be taken to Aliağa as per the court's decision, saying, 'It is said that if this place becomes a port, it will be a feeding ground for fish because this is an archaeological site. We have established a boat maintenance area in a 25,000 square meter area at Urla Pier. We will also establish the same near Demircili Cove. Our sole purpose is to protect Urla. We oppose every wrong action taken, and we are showing places for it to be done correctly. We will defend Urla to the end.'
Lawyer Şehrazat Mercan stated, 'Things that should never happen are being attempted on our shores. These things cannot happen here. We will not allow this. The state should protect the forest and the olive trees. If there is a place for construction, it should be built there. But we will never allow construction in living spaces. They want the sea and nature for themselves; they want Urla. We will not give Urla up.'
Source: SeaNews Türkiye
