Agricultural lands in Sınırüstü (İskele) removed from “agricultural land” status and transferred to projects — residents protest

The Council of Ministers, by decisions dated March 25 and July 30, 2025, excluded plots (Block 129, Parcel 1/B and 1/C) in the village of Sınırüstü, İskele municipality, from the category of agricultural land. Afterward, these lands began to be transferred to private companies for the installation of solar panels, local residents stated.

According to Fide Kürşat, changes in cadastral maps were made by these decisions. In her view, the procedure was aimed at bypassing the state electricity company KIBTEK and at benefiting certain companies and individuals. She added that the plots were previously reforested areas and now serve as grazing land for small livestock, making them important for local producers and wildlife.

Kürşat and the mukhtar (village head) Halil Yenigün inspected the territory together and documented surveying and boundary marking works. Residents of Sınırüstü and neighboring villages demand the immediate cancellation of the decisions and warn that they are ready to use legal and democratic means of protest if the change of status remains in force.

Practical significance for residents: the possible loss of pastures will worsen conditions for small-scale livestock farming and limit land availability for young people. It is recommended to monitor cadastral changes, stay in contact with the mukhtar and municipality, and, if necessary, prepare for legal action based on official maps and Cabinet of Ministers decisions.