Citizens Raise Their Voices in Alanya: "Let the Shopkeepers Breathe!"

Mahmutlar Residents Call for the Reopening of the Cebel-i Reis Paragliding Center

The people of Mahmutlar are calling on the authorities to reopen the Cebel-i Reis Paragliding Center, which brought significant activity to the region in 2013–2014.

The center, established by the former Mahmutlar Municipality and host to two major festivals (including one international event), attracted hundreds of local and foreign athletes to the region. However, following the municipality’s closure due to the Metropolitan Municipality Law, the center ceased operations without any clear reason.

REVIVE TOURISM, SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESSES

The conversion of many hotels into residential buildings and recent restrictions on foreign residency have put economic pressure on local businesses and residents. This has reignited interest in the paragliding center, which is seen as a potential economic lifeline and a boost for tourism.

The issue was brought back to the agenda during a meeting attended by Mahmutlar Neighborhood Headman Ahmet Sönmez, MAHKOD President Mesut İlhan, and Mahmutlar District Platform Chairman Hasan Basar. Civil society leaders agreed to work together for the reopening of the center.

PAST SUCCESS, FUTURE HOPE

Ahmet Sönmez recalled the bustling days when the center was active, stating:

"When our municipality was active, the paragliding center brought a flood of tourists to Mahmutlar. During festival times, every hotel was full, and daily flights brought vibrancy to the town. It's been 11 years, and now the people and shopkeepers of Mahmutlar want the center back. We are hopeful that Alanya Municipality, which values sports tourism, will act on this soon."

MAHKOD President Mesut İlhan emphasized the colorful moments of 2013:

"Back then, we hosted two festivals, and the international one had a major impact on our town. After the 2014 local elections, the center was shut down, even though all legal permits had been secured. Cebel-i Reis is the second most important paragliding site in Turkey after Fethiye. Now our local community wants it reopened. What a small municipality achieved before, a district municipality can do even better today."

Hasan Basar, President of the Mahmutlar District Platform, criticized the years of inactivity:

"I was a council member back in 2014 and still don’t know why it was closed. The region clearly needs this center. Alternative tourism is growing in importance, and the loss of this facility means lost interest from thousands. Hotel tourism is limited in Mahmutlar, and the ban on foreign residency has made it harder for local businesses. This center is now vital."

This united and determined call from Mahmutlar residents is seen as a strong signal for local governments and authorities to take swift action to revive regional tourism and support the local economy.