Trustee-run Şişli Municipality Closes Fatma Girik Girls' Dormitory Over Fire Safety Concerns

The Şişli Municipality in Istanbul has shut down the Fatma Girik Girls' Student Dormitory, a facility serving around 145 students. The administration, currently managed by a trustee appointed by the government, claims the building violates fire safety codes. This decision has sparked criticism.

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The primary and most vital reason for this decision is the obligation to protect the lives of our children, before any financial considerations.

The municipality defended its action, stating that technical inspections revealed the dormitory's building did not meet fire regulations, posing significant risks to students' safety. They also acknowledged that a rent dispute with the property owner contributed to the decision, but stressed that student safety was the paramount reason.

"The primary and most vital reason for this decision is the obligation to protect the lives of our children, before any financial considerations," the municipality said in a statement. They also pointed to the availability of space in the state-run Darülaceze Girls' Student Dormitory, which has a capacity of 1024 students, and ongoing construction of a new dormitory for male students.

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The building where the dormitory operates does not comply with fire regulations.

The municipality pledged to provide guidance and support to help affected students find alternative housing, coordinating with relevant institutions to ensure their education and comfort are not disrupted. The closure was initially highlighted by the Cumhuriyet newspaper.

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Legal uncertainties regarding the rent dispute with the property owner have also influenced the closure decision.