Islanders protest against new minibuses on the island of Buyukada, in Istanbul on June 20, 2024. - Buyukada is one of the Princes' Islands, a popular destination for tourists and a retreat for many of Istanbul's 16 million inhabitants. Motor vehicles are prohibited in the islands, except for essential services. But the controversial new minibuses, with a capacity of 12 people, went into service on June 15, driving through the narrow alleys of the islands.
Motor vehicles are prohibited on the islands, except for essential services, and even horse-drawn carriages were banned in 2020 to protect the local wildlife. “I saw a bus on the way to my home yesterday. I had an appointment but I froze in front of it for half an hour,” Aycan said.Eight protesters were detained on the first day, and locals have staged demos daily and spontaneously since.
He has been knocking on doors to persuade residents to sign a petition calling for the removal of the minibuses. It also argued that these minibuses are accessible to people with disabilities, unlike the existing small electric shuttle service.