Shopping mall on Istanbul's TEM Highway owned by Aziz İhsan Aktaş—facing 280 years in prison—prepares for opening

Quick summary

The shopping mall on the TEM highway belonging to Aziz İhsan Aktaş, who is being tried for organized crime leadership, is ready for opening. The project has been controversial from the beginning due to a special law being passed by parliament for the construction permit and the detention of the Mayor.

Why it matters

The commercial investment located on one of Istanbul's main transport arteries has had an uncertain opening date due to legal disputes. Developments in the case in which the prosecutor is seeking up to 280 years imprisonment have the potential to affect the future of the project.

Key takeaways

• ›The Chief Prosecutor has requested between 103 and 280 years in prison against Aktaş on charges of 'forming a criminal organization,' 'bribery,' and 'bid rigging.'
• ›The passage of a special law through parliament at midnight to obtain construction permits for the mall has made the project controversial from the outset.
• ›Gaziosmanpaşa Mayor Hakan Bahçetepe was arrested based on allegations that a bribe was paid to him in exchange for excavation permission, and the case is ongoing.
• ›Premium clothing brand outlets and food-and-beverage chains have posted signs at the mall, but the opening date has not yet been determined.