ABSTRACT
Turkish coastal laws and policies reflect this country's intermediate position between a developing country and an advanced-economy one. On the ground, Turkish coasts have drawn masses of illegal development: Permanent residential homes and condominiums, summer homes, hotels, and resorts. At the same time, the parliament has adopted a series of laws to protect the coast and to enforce measures against past and new illegal construction and the courts have issued decisions that promote coastal management. Although the essence of the Coastal Law 1990 was to protect the natural characteristics of coastal areas and to prohibit uses that are not in the public interest, the actual pattern of development in coastal areas continues to disregard these goals. The planning process for coastal areas has not prioritized a holistic approach and as a result, the development pattern is fragmented. Plans approved by national government (Environmental Order Plans) encourage compact cities along the coast, but this principle has been undermined by the government's own project-oriented developments and local Development Plans. Furthermore, amendments to the Coastal Law have made it easier for the authorities to approve construction in the coastal zones, despite the ostensible restrictions.
