A controversial development took place in Foça, one of the popular tourist centers of İzmir, due to the Foça Municipality’s accumulated premium debts to the Social Security Institution (SGK). In order to pay off its debts to the SGK, the Municipality transferred Kumburnu Beach, which is used free of charge by the public during the summer months and attracts great attention, to the SGK. This decision caused a great reaction, especially among the people of Foça and environmental activists.
Coastal Area Used Free of Charge by the Public is Now the Property of SGK
Kumburnu Beach, which is strategically located in the Karacina area of İsmetpaşa Neighborhood of Foça and has been operated as a social facility by the Foça Municipality for many years, has now passed into the ownership of SGK with the transfer process. This valuable coastal land was put up for sale by SGK for an estimated price of 17 million liras. This situation creates serious concerns about the future of the beach, which is one of the natural beauties of Foça.
Auction Date Announced: On Sale on April 30
The date of the sales tender opened by the Social Security Institution has also been finalized. According to the announcement, the sales tender for Kumburnu Beach will be held on Tuesday, April 30, 2025 at 10.00:XNUMX at the Buca Social Security Center. For those who want to participate in the tender, the specifications and other detailed information can be accessed via the institution's official website. This rapid sales decision further increases the reaction of the local people and civil society organizations.
Reactions to the Sale Decision Are Growing Like an Avalanche
The decision to transfer Kumburnu Beach to the Social Security Institution and put it up for sale has been met with great indignation by various civil society organizations in Foça and throughout İzmir. Many environmental organizations and residents of Foça emphasize that this valuable coastal area should not be transferred to private ownership and should remain in public use. Concerns are being expressed that the sale of the beach will deal a major blow to Foça's natural texture and public recreational areas.
As a result of these reactions, some civil society organizations and activists decided to make a press statement in front of the SGK Buca Social Security Center building on Tuesday, April 30, 2025, the day of the tender, at 10.00:XNUMX am, in order to make their voices heard against the sale of the beach. This action aims to create public opinion so that the decision can be reversed and Kumburnu Beach can remain open to public use.
The sale of Kumburnu Beach has started an important discussion not only for Foça but also in terms of the protection of public coastal areas in general and the public's right to free use. The transfer and sale of valuable lands in common use by the public by municipalities to pay off their debts is considered a development that could set a precedent for other regions where similar situations may occur. It is eagerly awaited how this discussion will progress in the coming days and how the tender will be concluded.
