The hotel that burned down in Alanya was found to be unlicensed and without an occupancy permit
The Mayor of Alanya, Osman Tarık Özçelik, issued a written press statement regarding the fire and the status of a 12-story building in the Cikcilli neighborhood, which was originally constructed as a residential complex but was later being converted into a hotel.
In his statement, Mayor Özçelik said:
"On January 27, 2025, at 16:57, a fire broke out in a building located in Alanya's Cikcilli neighborhood, plot 456, parcel 4, where renovation work was being carried out. Although the exact cause of the fire has not been determined, it is believed that sparks from welding during renovations may have ignited the materials. The fire spread to the basement floors, but it was quickly brought under control by the Antalya Metropolitan Municipality fire department and the relevant departments of Alanya Municipality, and it was fully contained by around 19:30. At the time of the fire, no one was residing in the building, and there were no casualties or injuries reported."
The building is not licensed as a hotel and lacks an occupancy permit
Following the fire, a misconception arose in the public that the building was operating as a hotel and that the fire occurred in a hotel. However, this building does not have a hotel license, and the municipality has not issued any permits or documents allowing its operation as a hotel. However, it has been discovered that some apartments in the building were used for tourism activities under the "Short-Term Rental Permit" issued by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. Furthermore, a "Building Occupancy Permit" (İskan) has not yet been issued for the building.
1. Building Permits and Usage Information
The structure consists of three blocks with a total of 164 independent units (156 residences and 8 offices/commercial spaces). The following permits have been issued for the building over the years:
Block A:
New Building Permit: 24.05.2017 - 2017-185/66
Renovation Permit: 28.09.2017 - 2017-366/66
Block B:
New Building Permit: 10.08.2015 - 2015-470/160
Reissued Permit: 28.09.2017 - 2017-367/15/160
Block C:
New Building Permit: 10.08.2015 - 2015-471/160
Reissued Permit: 28.09.2017 - 2017-368/15/160
Retaining Wall:
Construction Permit: 05.06.2015 - 2015-342/120
By 2022, the building was largely completed but was not put into operation. In 2022-2023, after the onset of the Russia-Ukraine war, it started being used for short-term rentals by foreigners who had moved to the region. As of 2024, despite the lack of an occupancy permit (İskan), apartments in the building have been rented out for tourism purposes under the "Short-Term Rental Permit" issued by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.
THE BUILDING INSPECTION CONTRACT HAS BEEN TERMINATED
This permit was issued under Law No. 7464 on the "Touristic Rental of Residences" and related regulations; however, the building does not have a hotel license. The municipality has not issued any permits for hotel operation or renovation work. Additionally, the building has not yet received an "Occupancy Permit" (İskan). According to municipal records, the company responsible for the building's inspection sent a "Termination Notice" to Alanya Municipality on August 10, 2021, stating that it had terminated its Building Inspection Contract.
NECESSARY INVESTIGATIONS ON LICENSE COMPLIANCE, RENOVATION PERMITS, AND USAGE STATUS CONTINUE
2. Building Inspection and Allegations of License Violations
There have been claims that a "report of license violation" was prepared for the building and later withdrawn. According to our records, the company that terminated its relationship with the building inspection in 2021 sent petitions to the municipality stating that, despite the absence of an occupancy permit (İskan), people were residing in the building. In response, the municipality conducted the necessary investigations and inspections.
As a result, appropriate measures were taken, and in a petition submitted to the municipality on October 17, 2024, the company reported that the residential units in the building were being used for tourism purposes under the "Short-Term Rental Permit" issued by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. However, as of October 15, 2024, this activity was terminated, and the building was vacated.
The municipality continues to conduct thorough investigations into license compliance, renovation permits, and the usage status of the building.
Conclusion and Public Announcement
While the exact cause of the fire remains uncertain, it is believed that sparks from welding work during renovations may have ignited the fire. The fire was fully brought under control by 19:30, and no casualties or injuries were reported.
The building does not have a hotel license. In 2022-2023, it was rented out to foreign residents, and in 2024, it was determined that short-term rental activities were carried out under the "Short-Term Rental Permit" issued by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, in accordance with Law No. 7464 and Law No. 2634. Preparations for obtaining an occupancy permit (İskan) began before the local elections. According to the December 2023 tariff, the İskan fee was calculated, and the company deposited the required amount in the municipal treasury. Based on this, it is understood that the previous administration could have issued the İskan under these conditions.
The municipality has not granted any permissions for the building to operate as a hotel or undergo renovations. The "Occupancy Permit" (İskan) has not yet been obtained.
The municipality is thoroughly examining all processes related to the building, and inspections are ongoing.
As Alanya Municipality, we declare that we continue to closely monitor the situation for the order of our city and the safety of our citizens and will keep the public informed transparently.
