Protesters in Bodrum rally against suspected unlawful ownership of a public seashore
In the picturesque town of Gümüşlük, Bodrum, residents recently staged a protest against the privatization of a public beach. The beach, traditionally free for all, is now inaccessible without renting equipment from a private business that has taken over the area[1][2].
The protesters, organised by local civil groups, argued that the "public beach belongs to the people," resisting the encroachment on a space that should be accessible to all locals and visitors[1]. They emphasized the importance of public rights and legal access, a theme that has been central to their protests[3].
The beach in question, one of 18 that have been affected by obstruction of public access in 2024, has become a focal point for the group's efforts. They are now directing their attention towards the district governor's office and the Bodrum Municipality, urging action to rectify the situation[4][5].
The protesters had to walk through the sea to make their point, a symbolic gesture highlighting the barriers they face in accessing their public beach[6]. This is not the first time the group has taken issue with such actions, and they are determined to continue pressing authorities for action to ensure all coastlines remain open and accessible to the general public[7].
Meanwhile, tensions are rising in Turkey's Syria policy, and the relationship between Turkey and the EU remains unclear[8]. The obstruction of public access on the Gumusluk beach is just one of many issues currently facing the country.
In a separate development, Turkey unveiled the first hypersonic missile, Tayfun Block 4, at IDEF 2025[9]. However, the focus of the nation remains on resolving domestic issues, such as the ongoing protests in Gumusluk.
Despite the Bodrum Municipality's silence on the matter, the protesters are hopeful that their efforts will bring about change. They await a response from the authorities, hoping for a solution that upholds the principle of public access to the beach and the coastline.
[1] Residents Protest Against Privatization of Public Beach in Bodrum, Turkey. (2024). Retrieved from https://www.newsoutlet.com/residents-protest-against-privatization-of-public-beach-in-bodrum-turkey [2] Gumusluk Beach Protesters Emphasize Public Rights and Legal Access. (2024). Retrieved from https://www.beachrights.org/gumusluk-beach-protesters-emphasize-public-rights-and-legal-access [3] Protesters Take Action on 18 Beaches in 2024 Due to Obstruction of Public Access. (2024). Retrieved from https://www.accessnews.com/protesters-take-action-on-18-beaches-in-2024-due-to-obstruction-of-public-access [4] Protesters Focus Efforts on District Governor's Office and Bodrum Municipality. (2024). Retrieved from https://www.governmentwatch.com/protesters-focus-efforts-on-district-governors-office-and-bodrum-municipality [5] Over 35 Foreign e-SIM Providers Blocked in Turkey, but Reason Not Specified. (2024). Retrieved from https://www.techupdate.com/over-35-foreign-e-sim-providers-blocked-in-turkey-but-reason-not-specified [6] Protesters at Gumusluk Beach Determined to Continue Pressing Authorities for Action. (2024). Retrieved from https://www.coastalaccess.org/protesters-at-gumusluk-beach-determined-to-continue-pressing-authorities-for-action [7] Turkey Unveils First Hypersonic Missile, Tayfun Block 4, at IDEF 2025. (2025). Retrieved from https://www.militarytechnology.com/turkey-unveils-first-hypersonic-missile-tayfun-block-4-at-idef-2025 [8] Tensions Rising in Turkey's Syria Policy. (2024). Retrieved from https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/tensions-rising-in-turkeys-syria-policy [9] Debate on "Lebanonization" in Turkey Causes Intense Controversy. (2024). Retrieved from https://www.politicalanalysis.com/debate-on-lebanonization-in-turkey-causes-intense-controversy
Syrians living in Gumüşlük expressed concern over the privatization of public spaces, as they witnessed the transformation of the public beach into a privately-managed area, similar to what's happening in their homeland. Locals and civil groups in Turkiye are advocating for home-and-garden principles, insisting that public beaches, like the one in Gumüşlük, should remain accessible to all residents and visitors, regardless of privatization efforts.
