In the province of Dersim (tr. Tunceli), environmental organizations, political parties, and civil society groups have called for an immediate halt to the planned dam project in the Aliboğazı Valley. On Monday, numerous activists and citizens gathered in front of the building of the state water authority (DSI). With banners reading “Don’t touch my nature, my water, my soil,” they protested against the project.
The chairman of the Munzur Environmental Association, Yusuf Topçu, spoke of a long history of “politics of plunder” against the region. “Since the Ottoman Empire, Dersim has been repeatedly affected by displacement, destruction, and restrictions. Projects such as dams and mines are now attempting to submerge social memory and sacred sites,” he said.
Topçu pointed out the special significance of the Aliboğazı Valley, which he described as the “gateway to Dersim.” He said it is not only rich in flora and fauna, but also a place of religious rituals, historic churches, caves, and settlements. “Aliboğazı is indispensable to the people—it is where displaced persons once found a new home,” he said.
The planned dam threatens numerous villages, pastures, and side valleys, Topçu said and warned that the consequences would be climate change, increasing drought, and the loss of biodiversity.
Lawyers also made serious accusations. Barış Yıldırım, a lawyer specializing in environmental law, pointed out that several dam projects had already been implemented in the region, resulting in the loss of seven endemic plant species. “This area is under strict protection. Nevertheless, it is being destroyed,” he said. Among those affected are wild goats, lynxes, bears, wolves, and even the leopard, which has become rare in Anatolia. Expert reports have long recommended that the Tağar basin be placed under complete protection. “Another project of this kind would be ecological devastation,” stressed Yıldırım.
The protesters also received support from the Federation of Dersim Associations (DEDEF). Its chairman, Ali Rıza Bilir, stated that the dam and mining plans did not serve the population but endangered their livelihoods. “These projects would drive people away again and destroy their cultural heritage,” said Bilir. He added that they would resist the plans together with all democratic institutions and environmental initiatives.
The activists announced that they would continue their campaign against the construction of the Aliboğazı dam and other infrastructure projects in Dersim.
Source: ANF News
