by Peter Lyukimson, Israel. Exclusively for VK
The Beit-Saraya building (or Saraya for short in Turkish) has become a new stumbling rock in Israeli-Turkish relations. The Mayor's Office of Tel Aviv-Jafo is to pay thousands of dollars for renting it, as well as municipal taxes. Turkey refuses to pay, stating that it does not use the building.
The former governor's residence building in Jaffa was built in 1890-1897, designed by Israeli architect Baruch Papirmeister. It is one of the most beautiful buildings in the city and symbolizes changes Israel and Turkey had in their relations in the last years.
The Turkish Embassy in Israel and the Mayor's Office of Tel Aviv-Yafo signed an agreement in mid-2000s. Turkey leased Saraya for a cultural center for 25 years. Israel did not ask for big payments for the building, but wanted Turkey to reconstruct it for $1.5 million. After restoration, Saraya was to become the main tourism attraction of old Jaffa. The lower part of the building, where the prison and government's chancellery used to be, was to have a museum on Turkish paganism in Israel and a tourism center.
The place was being reconstructed and there was an official opening planned for the Turkish Cultural Center. Turkish President Abdullah Gul and Israeli President Shimon Peres were to arrive. But Israel was forced to carry out a military operation in Gaza, the so-called Cast Lead, after being attacked by over 10,000 missiles in 2008. Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan condemned Israel for the operation.
Reconstruction of Saraye stop then. The dilapidated building now stands in Jaffa, ruining the architectural style of the city. The Mayor's Office has no funds for its restoration. Moreover, Turkey refuses to pay for renting it and municipal taxes. Turkey responded to payment demands that it sees no need in paying for a building it does not use.
On the one hand, it is a logical argument, but on the other, the deal was never cancelled and the building is still leased. The Mayor's Office of Tel Aviv-Yafo requested the Israeli Roreign Ministry to assist in resolving the dispute. Israeli diplomats asked Turkey to give explanations. Doubtlessly, such financial conflicts bring nothing positive in Israeli-Turkish relations. It seems beautiful Saraya will remain abandoned until the two states make concessions.
