Ancient Phrygian Tomb Transformed Into Café Sparks Fierce Controversy in Turkey—What’s Really Behind the Outrage?
Professor Havva Işkan Işik called the café “a denial of culture that has lasted thousands of years. Interventions like this amount to cultural destruction.”
In the initial reporting, Çevik called for the Ministry of Culture and Tourism to intervene, saying the café’s presence was “unacceptable.” The ministry responded quickly once officials were made aware of the issue.
Despite the controversy and blatant illegality, however, the café’s owner, Halil Çakmak, said he had “no ill intentions.”
Café Owner Wanted To ‘Contribute To The Development’ Of The Region
Salim UzunDecorations inside the tomb.
According to Çakmak, his goal in transforming the ancient tomb into a café was to drive local tourism.
“We wanted to contribute to the development of our region,” Çakmak said. “We applied for the necessary permits and paid certain usage fees. However, no fees were paid specifically for the tomb area. After the controversy, we ceased all activities inside the tomb and will continue operations only in the surrounding area.”
Çakmak’s previous actions, though, seem to indicate knowledge of the illegality.
Salim UzunThe Phrygian tomb without the furniture and decor of the café.
“A tip was made before, but the tables and chairs were collected before the inspection,” said Birol İnceciköz of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. “All the procedures here amount to unauthorized intervention… You cannot build such an infrastructure in a registered structure without permission. We have also initiated the necessary legal action.”
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