Unresolved for 58 years: A Book Chronicles the Mysterious Izmir Case
Citizens in Hacıömerli District of Aliağa have been embroiled in a legal battle for the past 58 years in an attempt to obtain the title deeds to parcels of land that they believe rightfully belong to them. What started as a case involving 270 parcels in 1965 has continued to this day, with 217 parcels still under dispute. Over time, the number of people claiming ownership has grown to 2,200. According to village residents, all the lands that belonged to individuals in 1928 were purchased by the Village Headman in 1943.
The initial hearing of the case took place in the Bergama Court in 1965. Following the transformation of Aliağa into a district, the case was transferred there. The villagers have been fighting for years to prevent their settlements and fields from being transferred to the government.
The Council Member, Ali Dündar, expressed the villagers’ frustration, stating that they have been put at a significant disadvantage and have not been able to benefit from anything. He highlighted the fact that their parcels are tied up in litigation, and despite a highway passing through their fields, they have not received any compensation. The villagers are unable to reap any benefits and are left in a state of despair. Dündar emphasized the urgency of concluding the case, as the long trial has caused great harm and frustration to the citizens.
One resident of the village, Şerif Uslu, even published a book entitled “The Endless Case,” which features poems addressing the ongoing legal battle. The book serves as a testament to the villagers’ struggle and aims to shed light on the case that has remained unresolved for many years.
The villagers have faced numerous challenges throughout the trial, including changes in judges. Uslu highlighted the importance of the judge who has personal knowledge of the case overseeing it from start to finish. However, due to the rotation of judges, the case often restarts from scratch, contributing to its never-ending nature. The villagers have lived in their houses for many years, paying property taxes, yet they still lack land ownership rights. They are unable to receive compensation for expropriated fields, further exacerbating their frustrations.
Multiple villagers expressed their exhaustion with the drawn-out case and called for a resolution, emphasizing the need to spare future generations from enduring the same ordeal. Despite the years that have passed, none of the original claimants have survived, and it is their children and grandchildren fighting for justice.
Lawyer İrfan Medet Akpınar, who represents some of the plaintiffs, explained that the trial has been ongoing since 1956. Despite the protected areas near the disputed land being registered after the settlement, it does not impact the rights of the beneficiaries to the title deeds and property rights.
Akpınar urged that the trial phase be completed promptly to provide the rights holders with a final decision. The next hearing date is set for February 15, 2024. The case sets a precedent for the duration of legal battles on similar issues. The prolonged trial has undermined the Constitutional right to property for the rights holders, resulting in increasing losses over time.
The villagers and their representatives hope for a swift resolution to the case and for justice to be served after 58 years of legal struggle. The recent decision to continue the case following the October 5 meeting has further prolonged their wait for a final outcome.
