Long-running coastal erosion in Samsun’s Atakum district has reached a point where it is threatening buildings and transport routes along the shoreline.

In İncesu, Çatalçam, Altınkum, and Taflan, continued erosion has undermined the ground and walls beneath some structures, while in several locations the sea has advanced as far as the roadway.

Experts warn that homes, businesses, and cafés located close to the shoreline face significant risks and that urgent measures are needed.

Serious damage has become visible along the coast west of Atakum as erosion continues to reshape the shoreline. In areas where the process has intensified recently, the ground surrounding some cafés and businesses has been worn away, while seawater has eroded the foundations beneath parts of several structures.

The gradual retreat of the coastline is raising concerns not only for buildings but also for transport infrastructure. In İncesu in particular, aerial drone footage showed the sea reaching the road and creating a potential hazard for vehicles.

“Construction Should Be Strictly Limited Within 100 Metres of the Shoreline”

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Faruk Aylar of the Department of Geography at Ondokuz Mayıs University (OMU) Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences highlighted both the natural value of Samsun’s coastline and the risks associated with intensive development near the shore.

Aylar noted that Samsun lies between two major delta systems, the Kızılırmak and Yeşilırmak deltas, and that the coastline between the city centre and the Kızılırmak Delta contains some of Türkiye’s important beaches.

He said coastal erosion is particularly evident around İncesu, Taflan, and areas close to the district of 19 Mayıs.

“Development close to the shoreline is particularly affected by coastal erosion,” Aylar said.

Referring to Türkiye’s Coastal Law, he added:

“Construction should be very limited within 100 metres from the shoreline, where the sea and land meet. In particular, the first 50 metres should remain completely free from development.”

“Measures Must Be Taken to Stop Coastal Erosion”

Aylar noted that rapid development in the area has increased concerns about the safety of existing buildings.

He explained that T-shaped coastal protection structures have already been constructed in some areas to reduce erosion, while emphasizing that such interventions also alter natural coastal processes.

“Structures might be protected by constructing T-shaped barriers or large retaining walls, leaving the beach on one side and the sea on the other,” Aylar said. “But, as we have emphasized, this represents an intervention in the ecological process. We are disrupting the natural balance.”

Aylar stressed that coastal erosion itself is a natural process, but said the presence of existing settlements means protective action may now be necessary.

“For this reason, measures should definitely be taken along the coast to stop or reduce erosion,” he said. “Otherwise, these homes, businesses, and cafés are at serious risk. The sea could advance as far as these structures.”