In the Hesandin Highland of Diyarbakır’s Kulp district, local villagers have been fighting against mining operations for an astonishing 17 years. This ecological battle began in 2008 when a mining company unlawfully obtained an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) exemption to initiate exploratory activities. Despite governmental investigations revealing the illegality of the exemption, new mining operations have occurred, raising concerns about displacement and environmental degradation among the residents. This article delves into the ongoing struggle of these communities to protect their land, water, and way of life from potential mining threats.
| Article Subheadings |
|---|
| 1) The Origins of the Conflict |
| 2) Renewed Threats and Community Response |
| 3) Personal Stories of Resistance |
| 4) Environmental Importance of Hesandin |
| 5) The Future of Kulp and Its Inhabitants |
The Origins of the Conflict
The ecological struggle in Hesandin began in 2008 when Kulp Mining and Foreign Trade Inc. mistakenly received an EIA exemption, allowing them to explore the area without conducting proper environmental assessments. This unlawful act initiated a series of exploratory mining activities that have since been met with fierce opposition from local villagers. The Diyarbakır Bar Association and the Union of Chambers of Turkish Engineers and Architects (TMMOB) intervened by uncovering the irregularities surrounding the exemption report, which had been issued 16 years prior. They promptly sought intervention from the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change.
When the Ministry acknowledged the lack of investment from the mining company over five years, they canceled the exemption. According to Article 17 of the repealed EIA Regulation, if no investment is initiated within five years under the “EIA not required” status, the decision becomes void. This crucial ruling forced the company to temporarily withdraw but did not eliminate future threats, as subsequent attempts at exploration met resistance yet continued.
Renewed Threats and Community Response
The situation escalated again in April 2025 when villagers noticed roadwork at the mining site, raising alarm bells once more. Upon investigation by attorney Ahmet İnan, security personnel claimed that a military outpost was being constructed, with no project plan available for scrutiny. This sparked immediate concerns among villagers who viewed the construction as a potential tactic to facilitate future mining activities. The presence of soldiers guarding the site only intensified these fears, as locals believe this could create a secure area for the mining company.
The legal representatives stood firm, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.
“This is more likely part of a security framework designed to protect the companies and open the region to plunder,”
stated lawyer İnan during an interview. As the construction continued, trees were uprooted, and roads were expanded, leading to speculation about the true intentions behind such projects in a region shaped by conflict.
Personal Stories of Resistance
The villagers’ narratives are steeped in a profound connection to the land. Adalet Eles, a resident of Argün village, recounted the devastating village burnings of the 1990s, where destruction scattered the community. She returned to Hesandin, rebuilt her home, and has since devoted herself to protecting her lands and livestock, dedicating her life to preventing another forced migration. The resurgence of mining threats has reignited her hopes of maintaining her family’s generational ties to the land.
In contrast, Azize Can, a 64-year-old from Karabulak village, expressed her unwillingness to leave her ancestral land. Her deep-rooted attachment exemplifies the broader sentiment among villagers who refuse to relinquish their homes to encroaching industrialization.
“Do we go and plunder anyone’s village or nature?”
she questioned, highlighting the broader ethical implications of mining in ecologically sensitive areas.
The younger generation also feels the weight of this conflict. Bahar Yıldırım, 22, expressed a desire to document their home before it was destroyed, understanding that the potential environmental degradation would deplete their way of life. The fear of losing their homes pushes them into action with the determination to oppose mining operations vigorously.
Environmental Importance of Hesandin
Hesandin is not just an ecological landscape; it serves as the lifeline for six villages, providing essential resources for daily sustenance and agricultural practices. Villagers depend on the area for diverse herbs essential for traditional medicine, as well as food sources derived from livestock and silkworm farming. The spring season sees an influx of villagers returning to the highland, where they engage in various agricultural practices that depend on the health of the ecosystem.
The region is significant for silkworm farming, with families in Kulp having cultivated this tradition for centuries. The highland’s resources are integral to providing the necessary conditions for silkworm production, critical for both local economies and cultural heritage. Mining activities threaten to erode these resources, jeopardizing the future of silkworm cultivation and other practices pivotal to sustaining the community.
The Future of Kulp and Its Inhabitants
As the conflict in Hesandin continues, villagers are increasingly aware of the extensive impact mining could have not only on their livelihoods but on the entire region. Local residents, including Nevzat Kaya, Faruk Altun, and Nedim Emre, gathered recently to discuss the dire consequences that any mining operation might have on their water supply and agricultural practices.
“If this operation begins, our streams will be polluted, dried up, and redirected,”
warned Altun, painting a grim picture of the environmental fallout that could ensue from mining activities. Kaya echoed these sentiments, stating that poisoned soil would obliterate livestock farming and disrupt water access for all six neighboring villages.
Emre highlighted the community’s interconnectedness to the land, noting,
“Hesandin is our lifeline. If it goes, all six villages go.”
Their collective assertion emphasizes that the defense of Hesandin is not just about protecting their homes, but preserving their way of life.
| No. | Key Points |
|---|---|
| 1 | Local communities have fought against mining operations in Hesandin for 17 years. |
| 2 | The Ministry of Environment ruled a mining exemption invalid due to lack of investment. |
| 3 | Residents express fears of displacement as mining activities resume. |
| 4 | Hesandin is crucial for the livelihood and cultural practices of six local villages. |
| 5 | Mining operations threaten the ecological balance and water resources essential for agriculture. |
Summary
The ongoing struggle against mining operations in the Hesandin Highland highlights the complex interplay between environmental protection and industrial interests. While the Ministry of Environment has previously intervened, threats remain as the community grapples with renewed disturbances. As locals continue to advocate for their land, the future of Hesandin hangs in the balance, reflecting broader issues of ecological sustainability, cultural heritage, and social justice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: What are the main concerns of the villagers in Hesandin Highland?
The primary concerns include potential displacement, environmental degradation, and the impact on their livelihoods, particularly silkworm farming and livestock rearing.
Question: How has the Ministry of Environment responded to the mining activities?
The Ministry canceled the EIA exemption that allowed the mining company to operate, citing lack of investment. However, this decision did not prevent the company from attempting to return to the area.
Question: What is the significance of Hesandin Highland to local residents?
Hesandin serves as a vital resource for food, medicine, and water supply for neighboring villages, making it crucial for their cultural and agricultural practices.
