Heybeliada Sanatorium's Transfer to Diyanet Sparks Concern

Amidst the current political climate, a significant issue is being overlooked: the quiet transfer of the Heybeliada Sanatorium to the Directorate of Religious Affairs (Diyanet). This historic institution, established on the directive of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, was Turkey's first hospital dedicated to pandemic and tuberculosis patients. It served tens of thousands of patients before its closure in 2005, citing transportation difficulties and new health policies.

The sanatorium's location, overlooking the sea from steep slopes near Çamlimanı and surrounded by pine trees, offers abundant oxygen and is considered an ideal spot for health recovery. Historical records indicate that the climate in this area has been recognized for its therapeutic benefits for tuberculosis patients since the 16th century. Locally, the sanatorium is remembered not just as a hospital but also as a scenic viewpoint with fresh air.

Opened in 1924 with eight-bed wards for men and women, the sanatorium expanded its capacity to 370 beds by 1939. It gained momentum in the following decades, becoming the country's first and only thoracic surgery center. However, after sustaining damage in the 1999 Marmara earthquake, the Ministry of Health decided to close it entirely on September 30, 2005. Left with only two guards, the historic buildings further deteriorated, especially after a fire on the roof, rendering them inaccessible.

The author laments that the sanatorium is being forgotten and abandoned, suggesting a deliberate neglect to facilitate its transfer. With Turkey's aging population projected to exceed the global average, the author proposes that the vast 200,000-square-meter property should be repurposed. A portion could serve as a public hospital for the residents of the Adalar district, while a larger section could be transformed into a secure institution for the elderly, particularly those experiencing memory issues.