Icmeler Online Holiday Forum & Reviews - Turkey

I agree, it would be nice to know the canal stalls are back for definate intead of just rumour and hearsay. In my opinion it is an eyesore where the stalls were- not the prettiest part of Icmeler as it was before. Why they had to remove them is beyond me, it isn't stalls like this that make a noise but many of the bars with boom boom music with hotels/apartments next door or above. the removal of the stalls has brought a completely different character to that part of Icmeler- and not a nice one.

We walked past the hotel at the start of the canal onWednesday night and they had the loudest music coming from there outside stage area ,i`ve never heard the stalls playing loud music??

According to Oscar who was the person running the Bamboo restaurant and bar at the end of the canal, "I will not be there next year or will the Bamboo as the council want the land to put shops on"

I think the mayor and the council need a reality check,Icmeler needs that canal put back how it was, it was part of the magnetism that draws people to the centre of Icmeler.

We never bought much from the stalls but we always enjoyed browsing and banter with the stall holders in passing. We never thought too much about their loss from the canal and were willing to allow change for the better, if it was.
There is no doubt that the character of the canal has changed and we do agree for the worse, especially the bottom end where it adjoins the prom. Surely there could be a compromise by the Council by setting up licensed stalls/booths where the operaters pay local taxes, rent and rates and both parties can gain from the arrangement? If they can spend mega money on block paving to tart up the roads, pavements and the prom, they can find a few extra bob that they can benefit from.

It's true that 'you don't know what you've got 'til its gone.' I always loved going for a walk down the canal (or in my case a ride as I use a wheelchair) but never realised how much I would miss it. Didn't go down there once during the evening this year after having a wander during the day and thought that it looked awful, so didn't return. Just hope that they will be back next year.

My sentiments exactly.!!!!

Hi all
This year was only my 2nd visit to Icmeler and i never got to see the Canal Stalls so I am unsure if they really made a difference. All i can say is Icmeler is a beautiful place and I love it, I have already booked to come back next year my first holiday just me and my hubbie(kids love Turkey but would rather go themself to the party place Gumbet).

Fee x

It's the same with the underground market, the reason that dissapeared was because the traders didn't have a licence, tatooist has the reason he is still there. Which is fair enough, but why levae it like a **** tip, it's horrible down there now, give the traders an incentive. As for the canal it's not the same now nowhere near what it was, I loved the banter down there, and it was banter I never had hassle like on the Wednesday market..thats hassle, but still didn't bother me. I've got a good friend on here who is a good friend of a very powerful friend over there who told me a lot last year...just wait and see.

Hi All
I was in Icmeler 2010 (and back 2012), and it was always the highlight of the evening walking down the canal, always seemed to see something different every night, as well as the banter etc..
Does anyone have a photograph of how it looks now?

Kev

Walked past Bamboo yesterday and they have started the demolition, roof gone. There has been a bit of wrangling going on about the demolition with the council but can definitely confirm its going ahead and that there will be shops there. Whether these will replace the canal stalls I couldn't say. Didnt have my camera with me at the time.

Chris

I am gutted will really miss the Bamboo I wonder where Oscar will go expected to see him there for a few years

Yes the canal area definately needs a tidy but I didn't miss the stalls this year, I would prefer some nice flower beds and benches with some trees for shade. I know a lot of you have really missed them and can understand why with what you all have said and I know the majority of you would like them back so I suppose I am happy either way.

Dave

i loved the stallsafter having our meal we would go down for a walk it allways looked nice all lite up its a shame their gone

We go to Icmeler twice every year, have done for the last 10 years, what are they trying to prove. The canal is now bare, we never tired of "browsing" the stalls. Always found a little trinket or two to take home ( if only to keep the stall holders happy). It is dead down there now. Still visit the bars & resturants but the walk down is spoiled. Hope they read all the complaints and take note. Does anyone know if the people who ORDERED these changes know how we all feel.

The underground market is being re-opened this year - they are currently doing work on it with individual units and pull-down shutters.

No work being done yet on canal area, just huge empty space where Bamboo used to be.

As it's tipping down with rain and has been for the last two days solid I can't go out and take pictures!

Chris

we always enjoy a wander at night .the biggest mistake the council made was in wiping out both the canal stalls, and the underground market, without refurbishing those areas.the canal looked like a muggers alley

YES

I was never a big fan of the stalls on the canal and would not like to see them back, I do agree that something does need doing with the area as it lets the rest of the resort down.
When I was there last year I think the town centre has seen some benefit from the canal stalls closing. The shops were busier and there was a buzz about the town.

A DEFINITE YES