Esnaf's new çarşı rebellion in Malatya: Sectoral clustering decision creates grievances

Oğuzhan Ata Sadıkoğlu, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Malatya Ticaret ve Sanayi Odası (MTSO), announced that the sectoral clustering decision implemented in the new çarşıs built after the earthquake has caused serious grievances. Stating that this step, taken to revive commercial life after the earthquake, did not provide the expected relief, Sadıkoğlu expressed that many businesses cannot open their shops because they cannot obtain licenses. He emphasized that authorities must immediately remove the bureaucratic obstacles facing the esnaf. He warned that otherwise, the region's economic recovery process could slow down. As a solution, he called for the current decision to be reconsidered and flexibility to be granted to the esnaf.

The main cause of the problem experienced in the new çarşıs is based on a decision made by the Malatya Büyükşehir Belediye Meclisi. With the said decision, certain areas were allocated exclusively to a single occupational group, and this situation emerged as an unexpected problem following the lottery draw. For example, a haberdasher who won a shop in the shoemakers' zone as a result of the lottery cannot obtain a business license because they cannot practice their own profession. The esnaf are stuck in this situation entirely as a result of a government-organized lottery, outside of their own preferences. Therefore, losing one's livelihood due to this segregation, which develops outside of a person's own will, is considered a great injustice.

Chairman Sadıkoğlu stated that bringing specific sectors together aims to increase commercial activity and that they respect this logic. Acknowledging that the clustering strategy theoretically holds benefits, the MTSO Chairman stated that the implementation method is doing more harm than good. The root cause of the problem is that this clustering plan was put into effect after the lottery draws and workplace allocations were made. This rule, implemented after the lottery draw was completed and the esnaf took delivery of their places, has completely blocked the businesses' opening process. Therefore, it is requested that the current system be restructured to offer a practical solution and flexibility.

It is reminded that the period of over three years since the 6 Şubat earthquakes in Malatya brought massive destruction, and the esnaf carried this process with great sacrifices. The esnaf, who did not abandon their city and tried to do business in containers and temporary areas, often spending days without making a single sale, were finally experiencing the joy of having permanent workplaces. However, this new grievance has dealt a heavy blow to post-earthquake recovery efforts. It is emphasized that the years of waiting and the resilience shown by the esnaf must not be in vain. It is considered the most fundamental right for rightful owners to practice their own professions in their own shops.

The Ticaret Odası management is demanding an urgent regulation so that the process can progress healthily. It is requested that all members who have property rights in the lottery and have taken delivery of their workplaces be granted licenses that allow them to practice their own professions, regardless of the zone they are located in. It is believed that this step will be the most critical step in ensuring that Malatya's commercial life rapidly regains its former vitality. Removing these procedural and permit uncertainties for the esnaf will directly and positively affect both employment and the city's economy. MTSO announced that it will continue its uninterrupted struggle to overcome this problem in cooperation with local governments. It was emphasized that the ultimate goal is to complete post-earthquake economic development without victimizing the Malatya esnaf.