Court Halts Hotel Construction in Cappadocia

Following bianet’s extensive coverage on the issue, Turkey’s Council of State canceled the execution of a ruling that allowed the construction of CCR Hotels in Cappadocia. 

Previously, the construction stirred controversy as several hotel constructions endangered the natural of texture of Cappadocia - one of UNESCO’s World Heritage list destinations. 

Inconsistent with traditional architecture 

In 2013, Turkey’s Chamber of Architects Ankara Branch filed a complaint against the ruling that allowed the construction of CCR Hotels in Cappadocia. The aforementioned ruling was issued by Cultural Heritage Preservation Council of Nevşehir province. 

The cancel request statement claimed that the aforementioned construction plans were inconsistent with the traditional architecture and its concrete structure harmed the natural texture of fairy chimneys. 

The case was appealed as Kayseri 2^nd Administrative Court canceled the suspension ruling for the construction plans. 

On May 15, 2014, Council of State 14^th Chamber issued a ruling halting the construction plans again. 

Turkey’s Chamber of Architects Ankara Branch Chairperson told bianet that the ruling could set example for similar cases in the region. 

Controversial dismissal of members

She also reminded that all members of Cultural Heritage Preservation Council of Nevşehir province have been dismissed. 

“Instead of acting objectively, Cultural Heritage Preservation Councils make their positions controversial by approving constructions with potential harm to the natural texture,” she said. 

On the other hand, the judicial struggle against Arinna Otel, a hotel construction plan similar to CCR Hotels, is underway. (NV/BM)

* Click here to read the article in Turkish.