Abandoned factory site in Istanbul's Avcılar becomes a garbage dump two years after fire

An abandoned four-story textile factory in Istanbul's Avcılar district, which was engulfed in flames 2.5 years ago, has become a significant nuisance and a public health concern for local residents. The fire, which started on February 27, 2024, in the building's main gas panel, quickly spread throughout the entire structure, even igniting two vehicles parked outside.

Firefighters from Avcılar and 24 other stations responded to the blaze, with 65 vehicles and 204 personnel involved in the extensive extinguishing efforts. During the operation, three workers sustained injuries and were taken to the hospital after receiving initial treatment at the scene.

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Why aren't you demolishing it?

Despite the passage of 29 months since the fire rendered the factory unusable, the building remains standing. This inaction has led to the surrounding area being transformed into an unofficial dumping ground, much to the dismay of the neighborhood's inhabitants. Resident Metin Kavak expressed his frustration, stating, "We are complaining about the situation because all sorts of garbage are being dumped around the building." He emphasized the urgent need for the structure's demolition.

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We are complaining about the situation because all sorts of garbage are being dumped around the building. Our request is for this to be demolished as soon as possible.

Kavak recounted a conversation with the factory owner, whose father was a friend. "Why aren't you demolishing it?" he asked. The owner reportedly cited a demand from the municipality for a substantial demolition fee, estimated between 3 to 3.5 million lira. Kavak offered to pay the fee himself if the owner would agree to the demolition. "We are in the opposite building. All sorts of people come and go here. When it's windy, the smell of soot fills our homes. We can't open our balconies in the apartments. Our request is for this to be demolished as soon as possible," Kavak pleaded.

Another resident, Metin Ateş, highlighted the environmental impact, saying, "This place is breeding mosquitoes. People who want to dump their trash throw it here. We are bothered by this." The accumulation of garbage not only creates an unpleasant environment but also raises concerns about potential disease outbreaks, posing a significant risk to the health of local children.

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This place is breeding mosquitoes. People who want to dump their trash throw it here. We are bothered by this.