The residents staged a demonstration in front of the Kirazlıtepe Urban Transformation Reconstruction and Beautification Association saying: "We will not give our homes".

The residents of Kirazlıtepe in the borough of Üsküdar in Istanbul stand up against the plan to destroy their houses under a supposed Urban Transformation. 

In response to the notice they were issued on 2 July by the AKP-run Üsküdar Municipality saying they have to leave their houses within 15 days residents organised a march. 
HDP Ecology Commission member, Beyza Üstün, and Istanbul Urban Defenders Deniz Özgür marched with citizens. 

Banners had been prepared by citizens to reiterate their rights and slogans were chanted "we won't give up our houses".

Kirazlıtepe Urban Transformation Reconstruction and Beautification Association Deputy Chairman Mikail Dülye said that they had met with the mayor of Üsküdar and that they had made an evaluation following this meeting. 

However, while waiting for a new meeting, Dülye pointed out that in the past week there have been reports of threats made to residents in order to ensure they leave their houses within 15 days. 

Riza Sener, President of the Urban Transformation Reconstruction and Beautification Association of Kirazlıtepe, said that they are opposed to urban transformation and added: "We also want to live in better houses. The mayor does not take responsibility. We will not allow our homes to be destroyed".
On Monday at 10 am the appeal petitions will be collectively delivered to Üsküdar Municipality.