Gökçeada (Imbros) Municipality: Services, Departments & Guide

Living on Gökçeada means constantly dealing with the municipality. You get off the ferry, arrive in the center — your first stop is either the population directorate or the municipality. I can say I've worn down the door of the municipal building at least twenty times. Zoning issues, water cuts, garbage collection times, license applications… Anyone who settles on the island will inevitably cross paths with the municipality one day. In this guide, I've compiled everything you need to know, from the departments of Gökçeada Municipality to contact information, ongoing projects, and practical application tips.

Mayor and Administration

Bülent Ecevit Atalay, born in Gökçeada in 1977. He completed his primary, secondary, and high school education on the island — so he truly knows the place. In 2017, he was elected president of Gökçeadaspor Club, served as vice president and volunteer at the Turkish Red Crescent Gökçeada Branch, and was active during the COVID-19 pandemic and the February 6 earthquakes. He was elected mayor as the CHP candidate in the March 31, 2024 local elections.

Last summer, when I went to the municipality about a zoning issue, I saw Atalay chatting with citizens in the hallway. The small island advantage: reaching the mayor isn't impossible like in big cities, but it's still wise to make an appointment before going.

Municipal Departments and Services

Departments Directly Affecting Daily Life

• Zoning and Urbanization Directorate: Construction permits, building inspection, zoning plan implementation. Since the island's ecosystem is sensitive, zoning control is strict. Call ahead to learn the required documents — multiple trips back and forth will wear you out.
• Technical Works Directorate: Road construction and repair, infrastructure projects. New vehicles were added to the service fleet in 2025.
• Water and Sewerage Services: Drinking water distribution, network maintenance. Water cuts can occur especially in summer — keeping a water tank helps.
• Cleaning Services: Garbage collection and recycling. The system struggles when the summer population doubles, but there has been improvement in recent years.
• Municipal Police Department: Business licenses, market inspection, environmental control.
• Fire Department: Firefighting and rescue. A critical unit in island conditions.
• Veterinary Services and Animal Shelter: Collection, vaccination, and care of stray animals.

Administrative and Planning Units

• Financial Services Directorate: Budget, accounting, revenue collection. Property tax payments are currently only in person.
• Clerk's Office: Council decisions, committee proceedings.
• Human Resources and Training Directorate: Personnel affairs.
• Strategy Development Directorate: Corporate planning and performance monitoring.
• Cultural and Social Affairs: Event organization, social assistance programs.
• Environmental Protection: Preservation of the island's natural fabric and sustainability.

Ongoing Projects and Cittaslow

In 2011, Gökçeada earned the title of the world's first and only Slow Island (Cittaslow). This isn't just a label; it's a commitment that directly shapes municipal policies. Organic farming support, the slow living principle, and sustainable tourism approach are carried out within this framework.

Key ongoing projects:

• GÖKÇEADA IMPACT Project: Launched in April 2025, this EU-supported project aims to reduce single-use plastic. Training sessions are ongoing at businesses and schools.
• Wastewater Treatment Plant: Operating at full capacity. Critical for sea cleanliness.
• Kaleköy Landscape Project: Environmental landscaping work in the historic Kaleköy (Kastro) area. We detailed the region's history in our Kaleköy guide.
• Drinking Water Line Renewal: Replacement of old, leaking pipes. Water cuts are really annoying — everyone is waiting for this project to finish.

City Museum

Opened by the municipality on May 25, 2017, the City Museum is located at Fatih Mahallesi Hamam Sokak in the center. It exhibits artifacts related to the island's economic life, clothing culture, swordfish hunting, sponge diving, beekeeping, and soap making. Open weekdays 09:00–19:00, closed on weekends. Adult entry 50 TL, student 30 TL. I recommend setting aside at least an hour — the sponge diving section is particularly interesting.

In winter it's quiet, but that's another charm; you can explore the museum at a leisurely pace. After arriving on the island by ferry, you can reach the center by dolmuş or taxi and visit the museum.

Application Methods and Practical Tips

The fastest way to contact the municipality is to call the Solution Center at 0850 532 17 17 or email cozummerkezi17@gmail.com. You can also apply via CİMER (the government's communication center). The municipality has not created a profile on Sikayetvar (complaint platform) and does not respond to complaints — so go directly to the Solution Center.

Some services are accessible via e-Devlet (turkiye.gov.tr/gokceada-belediyesi), but basic transactions like property tax inquiry and payment have not yet been digitized. You need to go to the municipality in person for these.

If you're applying for a zoning permit, be sure to call ahead to learn the required documents. Locals usually go early in the morning; afternoons are quieter. In summer, check the weather forecast and plan accordingly — walking to the municipal building in the heat is no fun.

For information about other public services on Gökçeada, check out our Gökçeada District Governorate guide.

History of Gökçeada Mayors

Gökçeada Municipality has been providing uninterrupted service since 1923. Here are all the mayors from the republic era to the present:

A notable detail: from 1923 to 1973, mayors of Greek origin served, reflecting the island's majority Greek population at the time. After 1973, with Turkish settlement, this balance changed.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I file a complaint with Gökçeada Municipality?

You can call the Solution Center at 0850 532 17 17 or email cozummerkezi17@gmail.com. You can also apply via CİMER. Since the municipality doesn't respond on Sikayetvar, direct contact is more effective.

Can I pay my property tax online?

No, currently there is no online property tax payment system for Gökçeada Municipality. You need to go to the municipality in person between 08:00–17:00 on weekdays.

When is the City Museum open and what is the entry fee?

Open weekdays 09:00–19:00, closed on weekends. Adult entry 50 TL, student 30 TL. I recommend setting aside at least 1 hour.

What should I do to get a construction permit?

You need to apply in person to the Zoning and Urbanization Directorate during weekday working hours. Zoning control is strictly enforced to protect the island's ecosystem. Call 0286 887 30 52 in advance to learn the required documents and avoid unnecessary trips.

What does Gökçeada Cittaslow mean?

Gökçeada has been the world's first and only Slow Island since 2011. It is governed by the principles of slow living, organic farming, and sustainable tourism. This title directly influences municipal policies and serves as an international commitment to preserving the island's natural fabric. For more information, check out Gökçeada's organic farming.

Municipal Council Members

Municipal Departments

• Financial Services Directorate — Budget, accounting, revenue tracking
• Clerk's Office — Council decisions, document management
• Human Resources and Training Directorate — Personnel affairs
• Technical Works Directorate — Roads, infrastructure, construction projects
• Zoning and Urbanization Directorate — Construction permits, building inspection, zoning plans
• Strategy Development Directorate — Performance and strategic planning
• Environmental Protection and Control Directorate — Waste management, recycling
• Press, Publication and Public Relations Directorate — Announcements, social media
• Fire Department — Firefighting and rescue
• Veterinary Service — Stray animal care, vaccination
• Municipal Police Department — Municipal inspection, market control

Especially if you live on the island, it's important to also know about healthcare services on Gökçeada. Also, if you use public transport, it's helpful to check the bus schedules.