Tree reaction to IMM in Eyüpsultan, tram line stealing in Istanbul Eyüpsultan

Following the announcement that 168 trees on Eyüpsultan Boulevard will be moved to the Başakşehir Resneli region with a QR code tracking system within the scope of the Eyüpsultan-Bayrampaşa Tram Line works of the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM), the claim that 5 trees were cut down caused a reaction from the district residents.

Citizens gathered on Eyüpsultan Boulevard and reacted to the situation.

Muhammed Erkam Bülbül, one of the residents of the district, stated that it was stated that 168 trees would be removed on the route extending towards Demirkapı on Eyüpsultan Boulevard, and said, "It is known that a significant portion of these trees are over a hundred years old, including more than 20 centuries-old plane trees. The issue before us is not an ordinary landscaping arrangement, but the future of a living heritage witnessed by dozens of generations." he said.

We witnessed 5 trees being hastily cut down in the dark of the night on Eyüpsultan Boulevard. People who were unknown, who they were, what institution they were acting on behalf of, and what official authority they had for this action tried to eliminate the trees by cutting them down. As residents of the neighborhood, we tried to stop the process by objecting to the work of the construction machines and informed the police.

The incident we experienced last night is only a harbinger of a greater destruction that we fear will occur in Eyüpsultan. We have seen once again what kind of attitude those who talk about protecting the environment, trees and historical heritage at every opportunity have when it comes to practice. We also understood that the main reason for the endless work in Eyüpsultan Square, which has been in a disgraced state for months, is to cover the massacre they want to commit. We do not consent to this district being sacrificed.

Source: TRT Haber Açık RSS (Gündem) (Open Press / Translated Full Text)