The project to be built in the Munzur Springs in Ovacık, province of Dersim and considered as sacred by the Alevis, has begun.

The project was prepared by the Fırat Development Agency (FKA) and approved by the Erzurum Cultural Heritage Preservation Regional Board in June 2019, under the coordination of the Tunceli Governorate, which claimed that "it will be good for tourism".

The 800 million lira project includes steel bridges to be built on Munzur. The project, which was prepared without consulting the people of the city, municipalities and civil society organizations.

Two parking lots are also planned to be built, one near Gözeler Village.

Environmentalists and citizens argue that the project will destroy the Munzur Springs and entrance to the springs will be allowed with a ticket.

The Turkish government in Dersim is planning to close the Munzur Springs and redesign them for profit. Alevi society is outraged - and has vowed collective resistance.

For the Alevi population of Dersim the river and mountain landscape of the Munzur is a symbol for their region, which they consider a unique miracle. Besides the supply of water, fishing and other economic aspects, the Munzur has a "sacred" status in the eyes of the people. Its historical, cultural and scenic significance has been immense for centuries. The Munzur is directly associated with almost all mythologies, legends and traditions in Dersim. It was named after shepherd Munzur Baba, who, according to a legend, spilled buttermilk in horror at the present spring region near Ovacık, which gave rise to the 40 springs of Munzur.

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