Turkish Ministry of Environment and Urbanization introduces a new destruction plan in Amed's historical Sur district where 6 neighborhoods were demolished after the genocidal attacks in 2015.

The ministry had the buildings located between Demirciler and Değer streets in Savaş neighborhood completely demolished two weeks ago. The area housing a building, a few mudbrick houses and workplaces of the local tradesmen used as warehouses has been turned into a flat ground.

It is also reported that some historical buildings in the area were destroyed. While some tradesmen and homeowners reportedly received a certain amount of money from the government, a shop was demolished although its owner did not agree to sign the official agreement for the demolition.

BACKGROUND

In August 2015 Kurds announced local administrative autonomy for Sur – one of several self-rule declarations in cities and towns across the region. The declaration followed the successful 7 June 2015 elections, which saw the HDP comfortably overcome the 10% almost-impossible-to-be-overcome threshold.

Turkey’s government, unnerved by the possibility of more Kurdish autonomy along the lines of that which exists on the country’s borders with Syria and Iraq, responded with a violent crackdown. Hundreds of militants, security forces and civilians were killed.

Curfews were imposed on several towns and districts in the region, with much of Sur placed under lockdown since November. Indeed, what hit Sur was the longest curfew in history.

The curfew was declared on the same day that the former President of the Bar Association, Tahir Elçi, was murdered in front of the historic Four Legged Minaret on 28 November 2015 in Amed. The curfew however was lifted a day later. Only to be announced again on 2 December. 

In the five months that followed, some 200 people lost their life while Turkish army employed all war machineries to make sure no trace of Sur would remain... They hit the buildings (among the most ancient buildings in Amed) but they hit the people too. Yet they could not win. 

There were 300 YPS members resisting while most of the district had been evacuated when the Turkish army and its mercenaries entered Sur with over 10 thousand men. In the last days of the resistance the F-16s flew over the almost entirely destroyed district. One of the YPS members, Çiyager said: "Whatever happens, the end will be spectacular!"