Is barbecue prohibited on the coasts of Istanbul?

Is barbecue legal in Istanbul? There are many citizens who are thinking of having a barbecue at Kartal, Maltepe and Pendik beaches. Is it forbidden to have a barbecue on the beaches of Istanbul? The answer to the question is yes. Barbecue is now forbidden.

According to the statement made by the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM) on Friday, March 13, 2020, barbecue was banned on the shores of Istanbul. Taking action on the barbecues that are full of smoke, especially in the summer months, IMM banned the use of barbecues on the grounds that the barbecues burned in the green areas and beaches of the city are a matter of great disturbance for the citizens who play sports, rest and play, as well as environmental pollution.

With this development, strict inspections have been initiated on the shores of Istanbul and especially in areas where barbecues like Kartal and Pendik are concentrated. In order to prevent environmental pollution and eliminate complaints, first of all, IMM Park and Gardens Directorate has planted warning signs at the necessary places. After the completion of the works, IMM Constabulary Teams and Private Security Personnel came to the field for inspections. Those who burn barbecue can be reported to IMM where they are detected.

Is barbecue prohibited on the beach?

It is prohibited to have a barbecue on the beach in Istanbul. Therefore, barbecue is prohibited on Maltepe beach. IMM Constabulary intervene to those who burn barbecue. It is also forbidden to burn samovars on the beach. Using such toxic smoke emitting devices is prohibited. The barbecue and samovar ban imposed on the Maltepe coast is also applied in Kartal and Kadıköy beaches. With the decision of IMM, it is forbidden to poison the air and cause environmental pollution by burning barbecue on the beaches.

Constabulary intervene immediately to those who burn illegal barbecue. There is also criminal sanction for committing a prohibited act. Also, the constabulary may confiscate your illegal barbecue cooking counter. They have to take a photo of your barbecue and inform their supervisor that it has been put out. Therefore, having a barbecue on the beach is a big risk.