The Eastern Mediterranean University Union of Academic Staff, (DAÜ-SEN) has voiced concerns over allegations that the former DAÜ rectorate building and its land, the DAÜ Marine Club, the Cultural Congress Centre, and the surrounding properties might be handed over to large capital groups for the construction of a casino hotel. The union has called on the relevant parties to provide a clear and detailed explanation as a matter of urgency, Yeniduzen reports.
In a written statement, DAÜ-SEN expressed its concern that these lands, located in the coastal area, might be transferred to businesses that do not serve the public interest and instead used for building a casino hotel. The statement emphasised, “Such an initiative is entirely unacceptable. The parties involved must immediately provide the public with a thorough explanation“.
The union further highlighted that using the justification of operating the Immovable Property Commission (IPC) and restoring the rights of property owners to repurpose these lands and facilities from their intended use by DAÜ to benefit large capital groups would cause significant social harm. The statement included the following points:
The former DAÜ rectorate building and its land, the DAÜ Marine Club, the Cultural Congress Center, and the surrounding lands should be used in accordance with their original purpose for DAÜ. The fact that these lands are owned by the state or Evkaf should not lead to changes that would prevent their use for public benefit and DAÜ’s needs in education, scientific research, sports, and other activities. Allegations that these coastal lands might be transferred to businesses without public benefit for the construction of a casino hotel are alarming. Such an initiative is completely unacceptable, and the involved parties must promptly provide a clear statement to the public.
Adopting such an approach would contradict the fundamental purposes of both the state and Evkaf. DAÜ-SEN cannot remain silent on such an issue. These lands should be evaluated to ensure they are open to public use and suitable for the functions DAÜ needs, such as the Cultural Congress Center and the Marine Club in the region. The existing Marine Club should support water sports and beach sports and be used in an integrated manner with the Cultural Congress Center, maintaining DAÜ’s presence there.
The justification of operating the Immovable Property Commission and restoring property owners’ rights should not be used to repurpose these lands and facilities away from DAÜ’s original intent to benefit large capital groups, as this would cause significant social harm. The current facilities and surrounding lands should be utilised with a focus on public benefit, serving education, science, sports, the university, and ultimately the entire society. All parties must be able to collaborate with a focus on the public good.
Currently, there are more than 20 casinos in North Cyprus [Ed.]
