A violent standoff between Istanbul’s opposition-run municipality and the government of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan — which erupted today over property on Buyukada, the largest of the Princes' Islands off the coast of Istanbul — has deepened concerns over growing authoritarianism and the rule of law.

The row is centered on a space above Buyukada’s historic ferry dock that was leased for a symbolic monthly rate of 2,500 Turkish liras (about $280) by the Istanbul municipality — when it was still controlled by Erdogan's ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) — to an Islamist outfit called the Turkish Youth Foundation, or TUGVA, founded by Erdogan’s younger son, Bilal. TUGVA used the facility, which is normally reserved for ferry passengers, as a cafeteria.

The top floor of this beautiful building is rented by TUGVA, a foundation whose advisory board includes the son of the Turkish President.

Want to guess how much they pay in rent?

Reportedly 2,500 TL or $280.

That’s per month not per day.

That’s an absolute steal. pic.twitter.com/5P8dxK1ZXh

— Can Okar (@canokar) October 6, 2021

The secular main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) insists the property was unlawfully leased to TUGVA, which in turn sublet it to a third party in a classic AKP move rewarding the party’s financial backers with lucrative state deals. The municipality duly launched a court case and won. Yet TUGVA refused to vacate the seaside venue, claiming its lease was still valid even though the municipality said the court had issued orders for their eviction.