Contractor Accused of Costing State 150 Million Lira Appears in Photo With Minister and Politicians

A contractor who became a familiar name in Elazığ over a controversial 26-storey building appeared alongside the culture and tourism minister and politicians from Turkey’s major parties.

Yılmaz Tetik, owner of TETİŞ Yapı, attended a hotel meeting held during Culture and Tourism Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy’s visit to Elazığ for a regional tourism workshop. The meeting also included Elazığ Governor Numan Hatipoğlu, AKP lawmaker Ejder Açıkkapı, MHP lawmaker Semih Işıkver and CHP lawmaker Gürsel Erol.

Tetik’s presence drew attention because of the construction project he developed in the earthquake zone after the 6.8-magnitude earthquake that struck Elazığ in 2020. The building’s height sparked major public and political debate in the city.

Reports said then-Environment, Urbanisation and Climate Change Minister Murat Kurum reacted with surprise when he saw the building during a visit to Elazığ. He was reported to have counted its floors with his hand and expressed discomfort over its height. The building could not legally be stopped, however, because zoning rights had reportedly been left “free.”

Tetik also attracted scrutiny through a company he co-owned with his brother. Reports said the company’s construction project caused the state 150 million lira in losses. Mehmet Kangal, then the Elazığ provincial head of the DEVA Party, called on the ministry to ensure that those responsible were punished, but the article says no development followed.