Over 900 mining activities in Tokat, the 'favorite for rent-seeking'! 'We will be at Cumhuriyet Square on June 7'
The struggle of local residents is growing in Tokat due to the increasing number of mining licenses in recent years, environmental destruction, and the threat to living spaces. Citizens raising their voices against mining activities will come together once again at Tokat Cumhuriyet Square on June 7 to address the authorities. CHP Tokat Deputy Kadim Durmaz and Alevism and Bektashism Studies expert Melike Tepecik spoke to 12punto about the struggle against rent-seeking.
Hazal Güven
This browser does not support the video element.
Hazal Güven - 12punto.com.tr
The struggle of local residents continues against the increasing number of mining licenses in Tokat, which has become a favorite for rent-seeking and nature destruction in recent years. Hundreds of mining licenses granted in many districts, especially Reşadiye, Niksar, and Erbaa, are affecting forests, pastures, water resources, and areas considered sacred.
The local residents, who will come together at Cumhuriyet Square on June 7, continue their struggle to defend their living spaces. Saying “The surface of the soil is more valuable than the gold beneath it,” the people of Tokat will address the authorities against mining activities that have exceeded 900 in their latest state.
Speaking to 12punto, CHP Tokat Deputy Kadim Durmaz drew attention to the mining density across Tokat and shared the following information:
“27 percent of agricultural lands, 30 percent of natural areas, 44 percent of forests, 56 percent of pastures, and 46 percent of Tokat’s total surface area have been destroyed by mining licenses.”
‘THE MOUNTAIN ITSELF IS A CEMEVİ’
Alevism and Bektashism Studies expert Melike Tepecik stated that the mining licenses granted in the region mean not only ecological but also cultural and religious destruction. Mining exploration activities in many villages such as Günçalı, Şehitler, and Boğalı Plateau are met with reactions. The Çal Baba region, in particular, holds religious and cultural significance for the local people. The local population, who live according to the Alevi faith, climb the Çal Baba hill every year during certain periods to perform their worship.
Tepecik stated, “The people of Günçalı belong to the Alevi Islamic faith. They perform their Cem worship directly on the mountain. All 12 services are performed here. The mountain itself is a cemevi.”
Tepecik emphasized that the environmental struggle in Tokat should be carried out not just for a few villages, but for the entire province, saying, “According to TEMA data, 46 percent of Tokat’s forests and pastures are licensed for mining. This means over 900 mining licenses.”
‘WE WILL COME TOGETHER ON JUNE 7’
The voice that has been growing for years against environmental destruction in Tokat will once again be brought to public attention with a rally to be held at Cumhuriyet Square on June 7. The local residents are inviting the authorities to take action with a call to protect nature.