Page 1 of 1
Protests over illegal demolition work at Mare Monte Alsancak
Posted: Fri 27 Mar 2015 3:09 pm
by bigOz
An illegal demolition work has been carried out by some unknown entity (possibly Net Holding of Merit Hotels across the bay), ending up in the demolition of the old Mare Monte Disco!
There has been a great public uproar and a meeting / protest will be held outside the Belediye building in Alsancak as from 10.00 am Sunday morning. Belediye wants to take Mare Monte hotel and the beach over from the Vakıflar (A Turkish National Trusty who is the legal landowner) to avoid any further intrusions by the occupying Merit Hotel, whose manageent claim to have paid for the right to use the premises, or to have their money returned. BUt the Government and Vakıflar are not accepting this claim and a dispute has been ongoing for the past 7-8 years.
I think Merit should go and ask for their money back from whoever they bribed in the government when they drew up an illegal agreement and leave public places to the right owners - THE PUBLIC!
Re: Protests over ilegal demolition work at Mare Monte Alsan
Posted: Fri 27 Mar 2015 3:36 pm
by bigOz
I am aware that many foreign nationals resident in Alsancak and Girne area enjoy a free swim at Mare Monte beach. Since this will greatly involve the use of the beach as well, I hope they will help support TRNC public by their presence at this meeting.
Re: Protests over ilegal demolition work at Mare Monte Alsan
Posted: Fri 27 Mar 2015 5:35 pm
by rocking
Oz how sad. I remember old disco so well. 1988 you Aysha, twins all the pupils from Marif would be there weekends, you have bought back memories. Hope you are well. Rita.
Re: Protests over ilegal demolition work at Mare Monte Alsan
Posted: Fri 27 Mar 2015 6:06 pm
by Marions
Notes were handed out to encourage us all to go on Sunday, but as usual too short notice for some of us. But I would like to know what Vakiflar think about this. I didn't think their land could be taken over by anyone else - hence the debate over Varosha.
So can someone explain how Alsancak Municipality can take it over if what I am given to understand about Vakiflar terrain is correct.
It is of course entirely wrong that anyone demolishes a building illeglaly but I have sene it happen in small ways where someone knows someone, and it does seem that someone somewhere has told Merit they can , whilst being a source of misinformation, and maybe a better bank balance than before. Maybe! But again I ask - where can I get the full story.
Re: Protests over ilegal demolition work at Mare Monte Alsan
Posted: Sat 28 Mar 2015 9:31 am
by bigOz
rocking wrote:Oz how sad. I remember old disco so well. 1988 you Aysha, twins all the pupils from Marif would be there weekends, you have bought back memories. Hope you are well. Rita.
rocking wrote:Oz how sad. I remember old disco so well. 1988 you Aysha, twins all the pupils from Marif would be there weekends, you have bought back memories. Hope you are well. Rita.
Great to know you are still in Cyprus and well Rita! I shall be sending you a detailed PM later on today.
I am really p****d at the lack of interest and reaction to this topic. English people seem to be oblivious or not caring about the real goings on in their area, while they are more worried about where to eat the Sunday lunch or exchange 100s of posts about a lost dog because they were stupid enough to leave the front gate open! They will be the first to complain if the "NO ENTRY" sign appeared across the road leading to Mare Monte beach.
This post had almost 400 views - and only two people made a comment about the public land being taken over by private business illegally.
Marions, Alsancak municipality will not be owning the place but running it for a contracted period of time "open to general public" (as they have been doing with the beach for the past 3-4 years). Vakıflar is not allowed to sell the property - they can only rent it with the revenue going to other useful social purposes. The amount of rent depends on Vakıflar. It is this that has been misused by the government to force the hand of Vakıflar to rent Vakıf land to private business developers (mainly from Turkey and local to a lesser extent) at very low costs. Meanwhile families are having to travel further and further away for a decent beach where they can relax and have a good swim, because not many families of 4 can afford to pay around 200 TL every time they travel to a beach to cover entrance fees + sun bed fees and ice cream + water for the children at abnormal prices.
Re: Protests over ilegal demolition work at Mare Monte Alsan
Posted: Sat 28 Mar 2015 11:31 am
by Becker
Bigoz,we have lived Alsancak for almost four years. Use the beach regularly as do our many visitors. Learned about the meeting tomorrow by way of a flyer passed to us by a local Brit expat. We will definitely be attending the meet outside Belediye Alsancak.
Would be so sad to lose such an important,very cheap place to sunbathe & swim.
Re: Protests over ilegal demolition work at Mare Monte Alsan
Posted: Sat 28 Mar 2015 1:04 pm
by bigOz
Becker wrote:Bigoz,we have lived Alsancak for almost four years. Use the beach regularly as do our many visitors. Learned about the meeting tomorrow by way of a flyer passed to us by a local Brit expat. We will definitely be attending the meet outside Belediye Alsancak.
Would be so sad to lose such an important,very cheap place to sunbathe & swim.
Nice one Becker!
It's worth noting, it is not cheap because it is a bad place. During my younger days that was "the" place to go for a swim by the high society and your average working class family. had a lovely restaurant on top facing the beach, a weeding/party salon, a bar where the changing rooms are (and no other beach resort has so many changing rooms even now!), a beach bar where the Belediye restaurant is now. It is cheap because it is currently run by the Belediye and not a greedy private entrepreneur (and so should every other TRNC beach be run by the Belediye)
People used to queue up every weekend for the only open air disco (now demolished) of its kind at the time, with a fantastic view of the sea and night sky. No such open air venue has managed to replace this place in terms of atmosphere and quality! Because it is away from residential areas - no one was disturbed by the noise, not even the the hotel rooms/bungalows on the other side of the building. Remember, that was a time when we did not have a fraction of the foreign tourists or residents who would attend such places but it was still alive with people and music. If reincarnated, it would have killed any plans Merit may have about opening an open air disco and charging the world for enterance / drinks etc. in their part of the area.
If you have been to Nice, St Tropez and Cannes in the most popular French Riviera, or to Florida - you will notice that the hotels are usuall at least 100 meters away from the coastline and the beaches where the public can freely go for a swim. What the hell gives the right to many private hotels in TRNC, illegally occupying public beaches and cutting off public pathways/roads to coastline by walls or fences and building check points/barricades at the entrance? All this is officially illegal, but who is to impose the law?
TRNC citizen or foreign residents does not matter, we should all be fighting and raising our voice against this blatant and illegal misuse of public places for profits & greed , where we or our children have the right to enjoy freely by the law of the land. If we do nothing, soon we will have to drive to the tip of Kayalar Köy, if we do not wish to spend around 200 TL every time we take our family or friends for a swim (AND that is just for entrance fee+ice cream+water at most places for a family of four!). They have the cheek to say "no food is allowed to be brought on to the beach!" - whose beach??? Try feeling hungry and eating food and you would end up paying that much more. Day light robbery is the politest term I can come up with! At a cost of 300-400 TL at a time, how many families can take their children to the beach couple of times a week?
Re: Protests over illegal demolition work at Mare Monte Alsa
Posted: Sat 28 Mar 2015 1:39 pm
by kaiserphil
Big Oz - "I am really p****d at the lack of interest and reaction to this topic. English people seem to be oblivious or not caring about the real goings on in their area, while they are more worried about where to eat the Sunday lunch or exchange 100s of posts about a lost dog because they were stupid enough to leave the front gate open! They will be the first to complain if the "NO ENTRY" sign appeared across the road leading to Mare Monte beach."
And you don't know why?
Don't you understand that "English" people have discovered that in the TRNC money talks? Or that those with money, and therefore influence, will always win?
How many houses were erected without planning permission? How my house, right at the end of the development, ended up being situated on one of the busiest roads in the area?
Again, money talks "my Cousin".
On yer bike!
Re: Protests over illegal demolition work at Mare Monte Alsa
Posted: Sat 28 Mar 2015 2:27 pm
by snd1966
I think a lot of 'foreigners' are upset about the building of hotels on beaches and other things which effect them but we have no rights to protest, object and probably if we showed our feelings as strongly as you we could be deported.
Years ago in 2004 driving to the karpas in tears wishing there had been a Swampy to delay this progress but I also accept if I lived there I might want to get somewhere within an hour.
A big shame when Escape Beach and Acapulco started charging for access to the beach it was not stopped then BUT realistically beaches to be kept clean cost money especially here where rubbish does seem to be accepted.
I hope for the country people in the position to make things happen will be by your side tomorrow for the country's future generations.
Re: Protests over illegal demolition work at Mare Monte Alsa
Posted: Sat 28 Mar 2015 3:22 pm
by bigOz
Heil Kaiserphil!
I understand your pain regarding your detest for North Cyprus probably for the reasons you so well describe as "money talks". However, I do not believe I have any German relatives so there is no possibility of us being "cousins" - BUT I do sympathise with your emotions.
I do not agree with your idea of giving up the fight against injustice because "money talks". If that had been the line of thought by our ancestors few hundred years back, we would still be living in the Medieval Ages! There are those who resign to their faith but still expect everything to be served on a plate for them, and then there are those who spend their lifetime fighting against injustice even if there seems to be no light at the end of the tunnel. It is thanks to the latter that we are enjoying what little democracy we have in today's modern world.
Your opinions are clearly from someone who has given up Cyprus and does not wish to live here. Forgive my ignorance but, am I right in thinking that you have been living in Germany for the past 7 years? Are you about to sell your property at the moment? With all respects, if that is correct, then I feel our fight against injustice in TRNC as the nationals and/or residents who have not given up yet should NOT be any of your concern. If I am wrong about your status, then I owe you a big apology But you need to understand we are on the same side, albeit for the wrong reasons...
Those with influence and money have not won anything and are in deep Ooops with their promised area of operation with regards to Mare Monte; BECAUSE the citizens in that part of Girne have protested and fought for the rights of the residents successfully - not fearing the bribe takers and wealthy money talkers! How else do you think the Belediye has been running the beach all this time? Now watch this space, when hopefully they will take over Mare Monte Hotel for "public" management and use for the locals
SND1966;
I respect your concerns as a foreign resident but no one can deport you without any legal reasons or excuses. As residents of TRNC, you DO have the right to express your concern over residential matters. Furthermore, English people seem to underestimate their worth as residents of TRNC. We have very close ties with UK and good relations with UK government (hence the nationals in TRNC) is a part and parcel of current government's politics. They will not start a hostile attitude about them now. In fact, many problems about residency and properties faced before are being seen to by new legislations in progress.
Unlike how some may feel, it is not just "money talks", but less then a month to the presidential elections that may decide the faith of the current coalition government, it is the "numbers" that matter. So any protests where many people take part will not go unnoticed. That is why irrespective of nationality we must make an effort to support it, if all residents are going to benefit from any positive outcome. No one is going to take a register, so there is no danger of anyone being blacklisted for residency
By the way, I live in Girne central, I do not pay to get in to most of the beaches in question (because I know either the owners or the security at the door well), but I am still against illegal use of public land and will fight my own brother against it if necessary. I SHALL BE IN ALSANCAK TOMORROW SUPPORTING MY FRIENDS AND COUNTRYMEN.
Re: Protests over illegal demolition work at Mare Monte Alsa
Posted: Sat 28 Mar 2015 6:43 pm
by kaiserphil
Big Oz - " I feel our fight against injustice in TRNC as the nationals and/or residents who have not given up yet should NOT be any of your concern."
I still have friends there, some of whom are suffering nightmares because of the actions of your compatriots.
Of course I am interested. This silly business came up recently on another thread, where someone was told as they do not live then it was none of their business. Rubbish.
I also feel for the TRNC locals who are also suffering and are unable to get recognition by the rest of the World.
So, sorry, but it IS my business.
Re: Protests over illegal demolition work at Mare Monte Alsa
Posted: Sat 28 Mar 2015 6:45 pm
by kaiserphil
To continue, I am not telling you to give up. I was merely trying to get across to you why many foreigners may feel lukewarm towards things that happen in the country.
And I an not German, I am British and living in Germany.
Re: Protests over illegal demolition work at Mare Monte Alsa
Posted: Sat 28 Mar 2015 7:34 pm
by bigOz
kaiserphil wrote:To continue, I am not telling you to give up. I was merely trying to get across to you why many foreigners may feel lukewarm towards things that happen in the country.
And I an not German, I am British and living in Germany.
Thank you for enlightening me on that subject. I hope my compatriots do start making more noise and make it clear to those selfish b*****ds who are hell bent on destroying our island's cultural and social structure, they have a lot to answer for - they have already destroyed the Cypriot hotels, manufacturing & agricultural industries, and sold off most of the land to big businesses from abroad. Now they have their paws on property belonging to the public.
I hope we can change things soon enough for you not to feel the need to sell your house in a hurry
Re: Protests over illegal demolition work at Mare Monte Alsa
Posted: Sat 28 Mar 2015 8:35 pm
by Ragged Robin
bigOz: When I complained about the possible use of a free public recreational area )the airfield at Catalkoy) for a use only the wealthy could enjoy, you told me that North Cyprus is now "A Rich Men's Country" and development is inevitable. I am glad to see you have decided unsuitable development should be opposed in some circumstances. (also grateful for your other post here on that The Airfield).
Although I agree that some Brit expats concern themselves with trivialities there are sill a hard core remaining who DO care about the country and its people and its cultural social - and ECOLOGICAL -structure and are horrified at the damage being done by development.
However:
1. I believe it IS true that it is against the Law for expatriates to take part in public demonstrations, and therefore presumably could lead to extradition.
2. Politicians here , just like those in the UK and the US and everywhere else in the World,, listen to those who can vote for them! Very few British expats have voting rights, even those like me who have been here for 20 years or more, and are permanent residents
3. I dont approve of discos or any loud music anywhere by anyone near the shore n another beach I was swimming near to a wedding party and even underwater the music reverberated - if mere human ears troubled by it, think what it is doing to marine life, particularly dolphins.
I am sorry I will not be able to attend the protest because the roads are overwhelmed by another rich man's toy - the overlarge vehicles which bully small cars, as well as a walking problem, I can no longer drive that distance or through Girne. I will do anything else legal and within my power to prevent desecration of this country.
Re: Protests over ilegal demolition work at Mare Monte Alsan
Posted: Sun 29 Mar 2015 12:00 pm
by Maisiemoo
People used to queue up every weekend for the only open air disco (now demolished) of its kind at the time, with a fantastic view of the sea and night sky. No such open air venue has managed to replace this place in terms of atmosphere and quality! Because it is away from residential areas - no one was disturbed by the noise, not even the the hotel rooms/bungalows on the other side of the building.
Respectfully beg to differ re the noise. We used to stay at The Green Coast (now Oris Beach Bar) and the music from the Made Monte Disco was so loud it was like it was in the next room. The management were continually phoning the police as they received so many complaints from their guests. This would have been about 17 years ago.
Re: Protests over illegal demolition work at Mare Monte Alsa
Posted: Sun 29 Mar 2015 12:15 pm
by kaiserphil
bigOz wrote:kaiserphil wrote:To continue, I am not telling you to give up. I was merely trying to get across to you why many foreigners may feel lukewarm towards things that happen in the country.
And I an not German, I am British and living in Germany.
Thank you for enlightening me on that subject. I hope my compatriots do start making more noise and make it clear to those selfish b*****ds who are hell bent on destroying our island's cultural and social structure, they have a lot to answer for - they have already destroyed the Cypriot hotels, manufacturing & agricultural industries, and sold off most of the land to big businesses from abroad. Now they have their paws on property belonging to the public.
I hope we can change things soon enough for you not to feel the need to sell your house in a hurry
And a big Amen to that Oz!
Re: Protests over illegal demolition work at Mare Monte Alsa
Posted: Sun 29 Mar 2015 6:41 pm
by Marions
So what happened? And was there anyone from Vakiflar there. I did wonder why the 'protest' wa snot outside the Vakiflar office, but guess there was a valid geographical reason for that.
Please give us all a report.
Re: Protests over illegal demolition work at Mare Monte Alsa
Posted: Sun 29 Mar 2015 7:29 pm
by AJay
If anyone is interested there are plenty of photos posted on their Facebook page at
https://www.facebook.com/alsancak.belediyesi and it looks like there was a good turnout.
Re: Protests over illegal demolition work at Mare Monte Alsa
Posted: Sun 29 Mar 2015 9:21 pm
by Marions
Thanks for tha.t But can anyone say what it has achieved.
Re: Protests over illegal demolition work at Mare Monte Alsa
Posted: Mon 30 Mar 2015 8:52 am
by Ragged Robin
Quite a lot of people (including me) are not comfortable with Facebook. Nonethless we are interested in what affects to the Country we live in. I agree with Marion, having had it brought to our attention and asked for help, it would be nice to know the outcome of the meeting/protest and future action. Who knows, even if we could not attend on this occasion, there might be some way we could contribute in future if were are kept informed.
Re: Protests over illegal demolition work at Mare Monte Alsa
Posted: Wed 01 Apr 2015 1:09 am
by bigOz
I apologise for a late response
The demonstration was a success. There were at least 500-600 people who attended with banners and flags, including around 20 foreign residents that I could see. Every one walked from Alsancak or drove from other parts of Girne. It was more of carnival atmosphere with just couple of policemen keeping a watch from a distance.
Merit Hotel had blocked the stairs coming down from their New Hotel end with a concrete block (without any permission from the belediye) so they were given notice to bring it down and they agreed to do so, fearing public reprisals that may do harm to their hotel. It was agreed that the protests should carry on in the future, where other beaches are illegally occupied by bars or hotels, refusing access to public unless they pay.
The head of the Municipality made a 15 minue speech when he explained the position. Both Vakıflar and the Ministry of interior are not willing to turn over the place to Net Holding (Merit Hotel), so there will be a high court hearing about the dispute end of this month. They have good reasons to believe the court will rule in favor of he people. Belediye wants to develop the Hotel for public use as well as continuing their current occupation of the beach bar and the beach for the public.
The meeting was very peaceful and I believe there were some members of the parliment who departed early. The meeting ended after it was stated this was the beginning of much bigger meetings to come. Everyone there was fuming at the demolished scene where the open air disco was and chanting at the hotel, but the Western end of the hotel seemed to be deserted except couple of officials watching the crowd below.
As to what it has achieved, we shall see in a month's time. But clearly this was the first of its kind, in terms of a protest regarding public rights of way and the beaches.
Re: Protests over illegal demolition work at Mare Monte Alsa
Posted: Wed 01 Apr 2015 1:15 am
by bigOz
bigOz wrote:I apologise for a late response
The demonstration was a success. There were at least 500-600 people who attended with banners and flags, including around 20 foreign residents that I could see. Every one walked from Alsancak or drove from other parts of Girne. It was more of carnival atmosphere with just couple of policemen keeping a watch from a distance.
Merit Hotel had blocked the stairs coming down from their New Hotel end with a concrete block (without any permission from the belediye) so they were given notice to bring it down and they agreed to do so, fearing public reprisals that may do harm to their hotel. It was agreed that the protests should carry on in the future, where other beaches are illegally occupied by bars or hotels, refusing access to public unless they pay.
The head of the Municipality made a 15 minue speech when he explained the position. Both Vakıflar and the Ministry of interior are not willing to turn over the place to Net Holding (Merit Hotel), so there will be a high court hearing about the dispute end of this month. They have good reasons to believe the court will rule in favor of he people. Belediye wants to develop the Hotel for public use as well as continuing their current occupation of the beach bar and the beach for the public.
It also had a wide coverage by the Turkish Cypriot press and some local TVs.
The meeting was very peaceful and I believe there were some members of the parliment who departed early. The meeting ended after it was stated this was the beginning of much bigger meetings to come. Everyone there was fuming at the demolished scene where the open air disco was and chanting at the hotel, but the Western end of the hotel seemed to be deserted except couple of officials watching the crowd below.
As to what it has achieved, we shall see in a month's time. But clearly this was the first of its kind, in terms of a protest regarding public rights of way and the beaches.
Re: Protests over illegal demolition work at Mare Monte Alsa
Posted: Wed 01 Apr 2015 5:18 am
by Deniz1
Ex pats are not allowed to protest some were arrested a few years ago
Re: Protests over illegal demolition work at Mare Monte Alsa
Posted: Wed 01 Apr 2015 3:03 pm
by Ragged Robin
Well done bigOz and all concerned. More strength to your elbow (English saying!) Irrespective of what expats can and will do,, it is good to see Cypriots caring about the sea and beaches of what is after all THEIR country: I was beginning to feel that some of the younger generation were following the examples of their British and American counterparts and only interested in manufactured entertainment.