In the Hesandin highland of Kulp district, Diyarbakır, residents of six villages have been engaged in a prolonged ecological battle against mining companies for the past 17 years. The primary company, Kulp Mining and Foreign Trade Inc., has previously attracted attention with a contentious Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report that stated a formal assessment was not required. Recent developments reveal serious criminal allegations involving the company’s board members, which further complicates the situation for the local communities.
| Article Subheadings |
|---|
| 1) Background of Ecological Resistance |
| 2) Criminal Allegations Against Company Board |
| 3) Infrastructure Developments in the Mining Zone |
| 4) Role of Local Government in Mining Operations |
| 5) Community Reactions and Ongoing Struggles |
Background of Ecological Resistance
The Hesandin highland has become the epicenter of an extensive ecological struggle that began 17 years ago when Kulp Mining and Foreign Trade Inc. announced its intentions to conduct mining activities in the region. Local residents, deeply connected to their environment, quickly organized to protect their land from what they viewed as corporate exploitation that threatened their way of life. The community’s resistance is rooted in a variety of concerns, including environmental degradation, the potential harm to local water resources, and the overarching threat to their agricultural livelihoods. As the company proceeded with its mining exploration, village leaders mobilized protests, highlighting the importance of sustainable practices and the preservation of natural resources. This grassroots movement has utilized local networks to raise awareness of their plight, attracting attention from environmental NGOs and human rights organizations.
Criminal Allegations Against Company Board
The situation took a darker turn as it was revealed that board members of Kulp Mining and Foreign Trade Inc. are embroiled in serious legal issues. The Turkish Trade Registry Gazette records indicate that principal members, including **Mehmet Emin Eren** and **Mehmet Nesim Eren**, face charges of robbery and attempted murder linked to controversial incidents involving key figures, such as Interior Minister **Ali Yerlikaya**’s doctor. The indictment outlines a criminal conspiracy that allegedly involved an organized group known as “Redkits,” which was hired to carry out violent acts on behalf of the defendants. The local communities are concerned that these criminal allegations might also deter attention away from their environmental claims, spinning the narrative to focus on the company’s alleged illegal activities instead of its environmental impact.
Infrastructure Developments in the Mining Zone
As the resistance grew, a new development surfaced that raised alarms among local residents: the construction of a gendarmerie station near the mining exploration area. Reports suggest that villagers first noticed roadwork activity in April 2025 and promptly alerted the Diyarbakır Bar Association. Legal representatives sent to investigate were informed that the roadwork aimed to facilitate the new gendarmerie station. While company representatives stated that this construction was unrelated to mining operations, direct contact with company officials revealed a different narrative. A mining engineer referred to by his initials, **Ö.K.**, confirmed that Kulp Mining and Foreign Trade Inc. had taken on the task of constructing the facility. This double-edged development is viewed by many residents as an effort to further legitimize the company’s presence in the area, potentially increasing state support while undermining local resistance efforts.
Role of Local Government in Mining Operations
The local government’s involvement in facilitating mining operations has raised eyebrows and invited criticism from the community. According to reports, the Gendarmerie General Command mandated the construction of the station to ensure oversight of the mining site and surrounding regions. The mining engineer **Ö.K.** elaborated, stating,
“We obtained permits from the General Directorate of Mining Affairs to operate in the region. Since we’ll be conducting mining activities there, we completed all the necessary procedures. However, in the same area, the Gendarmerie General Command decided to build a station to monitor both the Kulp road and the surrounding areas. Because we are miners, they asked us to construct the station. So, on behalf of the state, we are also building the gendarmerie station. In other words, as a donation.”
Such complicity has heightened fears that local governance prioritizes corporate interests over community welfare, exacerbating tensions in an already fraught landscape.
Community Reactions and Ongoing Struggles
The resistance movement among local communities remains resolute in the face of increasing pressure from both the mining company and local governance. Villagers have mobilized themselves, sharing stories and experiences to inspire unity and resilience against what they collectively perceive as a direct threat to their livelihoods and environment. Community meetings facilitated by local organizations have become crucial forums for discussing strategies and raising awareness about the potential consequences of mining activities. The ongoing battle has also attracted national attention from environmentalists and human rights activists who stand in solidarity with the villagers. This external support provides an additional layer of leverage in their struggle, as it helps amplify their voices on broader platforms.
| No. | Key Points |
|---|---|
| 1 | The Hesandin highland of Kulp district has seen 17 years of ecological resistance against mining companies. |
| 2 | Kulp Mining and Foreign Trade Inc. has been involved in serious criminal allegations linked to its board members. |
| 3 | Construction of a new gendarmerie station in the mining zone has increased local tensions. |
| 4 | The involvement of local government in facilitating mining operations poses serious concerns to community welfare. |
| 5 | Community resilience and external support remain pivotal in the ongoing struggle against mining activities. |
Summary
The ongoing resistance in the Hesandin highland against Kulp Mining and Foreign Trade Inc. epitomizes the clash between corporate interests and community welfare. As residents defend their land for nearly two decades, the recent criminal allegations against senior executives further complicate the narrative, introducing a dangerous dimension to their fight. This situation underscores the role of local governance in enabling mining activities while revealing the resilience of the community that continues to stand firm. Their struggle highlights pressing issues surrounding environmental justice and the importance of safeguarding community rights amid commercial exploitation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: What is the focus of the ecological resistance in the Hesandin highland?
The ecological resistance primarily aims to protect local lands and resources from the potentially devastating effects of mining activities initiated by Kulp Mining and Foreign Trade Inc.
Question: What are the legal issues faced by board members of Kulp Mining?
Board members, including **Mehmet Emin Eren** and **Mehmet Nesim Eren**, are currently facing serious criminal allegations such as attempted murder and involvement in organized crime.
Question: How has local infrastructure development affected the community’s resistance?
The construction of a gendarmerie station in the mining zone has raised concerns among residents, as they believe it may serve to bolster the mining operations at the expense of their rights and the environment.
