In the historical Yazidi village of Kiwex near İdil, construction of a new military post has begun. While trees in forest areas are cleared, villagers criticize the encroachment on nature and property.
Construction of a military post has begun at the entrance to the historic Yazidi village of Kiwex, which dates back 2,900 years. According to residents of the village, massive deforestation is currently taking place in the adjacent forest area, partly on private land.
Kiwex is located in Şırnak’s İdil district and is considered an important center of Yazidi history and culture. Every year, thousands of people visit the village, which was forcibly evacuated by the Turkish state in 1993 and has since been officially declared a tourist area by the provincial administration of Şırnak.
Social structure of the village at risk
According to villagers, large-scale deforestation has been going on near the planned outpost site for about a week now. They believe that this is not only threatening the ecological balance, but also the social structure of the village.
“Trees are being cut down on our land without our consent,” one resident told the Mezopotamya Agency (MA). He wished to remain anonymous due to security concerns.
Accusations against local politicians
The criticism is directed, among others, at the former HÜDA-PAR chairman in the Midyat district, Sait Sevim, and members of the Idil district council from the ranks of the ruling AKP. They are accused of organizing or approving the deforestation. According to the allegations, Sevim obtained the village head's consent to the clearing in exchange for a sum of money.
“Our village was opened up to tourism, but now they are destroying nature right before our eyes,” the villager continued. Some of the affected areas are officially registered as private property. Trees are being felled without permission and without consulting the owners, he added.
Villagers call for an immediate end to the clearing
The village community also expresses criticism that the measure is being justified on the grounds of “security concerns.” In their view, the planned construction of a military post cannot serve as justification for the destruction of the local ecosystem. In a joint statement, residents and supporters called for the clearing to be stopped immediately and for “this ecological intervention to be put up for public discussion.”
