The Turkish government has enacted a new law allowing the central state to seize historic properties from local municipalities, specifically targeting sites originally endowed to Ottoman-era foundations. This legislation directly impacts Istanbul, where Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu’s administration has spent years restoring nearly 1,000 heritage sites and converting neglected spaces into vibrant museums, libraries, and contemporary art venues. Critics argue that the state-run General Directorate of Foundations lacks the expertise to manage these cultural hubs and may instead lease them out or close them entirely.
This move is viewed as a strategic escalation of a "Kulturkampf" (culture war) intended to strip opposition-led cities of their financial resources and public influence. By seizing control of popular cultural landmarks, the ruling party aims to undermine the political success of figures like İmamoğlu, who has used heritage conservation and expanded arts access as a key pillar of his platform. The law represents a significant threat to local self-governance and the preservation of Turkey’s diverse cultural identity under centralized political control.