Construction near iconic mosque sparks row

The public panicked after a photo was shared on social media showing the upper floors of a rising building covering the 465-year-old Ottoman masterpiece Süleymaniye Mosque in central Istanbul.

With the debate largely taking place on social media, the Istanbul city government filed an application with the Istanbul Conservation Board, claiming that the building violated the city’s zoning plans and regulations.

The building’s owner, the İlim Yayma Foundation, issued a statement announcing that the construction was carried out under a permit on land purchased through donations.

“We do not accept any initiative that could damage the spirit of Suleymaniye,” the foundation said, announcing that they were prepared to make various sacrifices to preserve the mosque’s silhouette.

Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu said the construction project had not been approved by the relevant authorities, but added that he thought the owner’s statement was positive.

Complete News Source : Daily News