15.11.2026 10:20
The flow of blue-colored wastewater, alleged to originate from textile and denim-washing workshops in the Habipler area of Cebeci Neighborhood in Sultangazi, Istanbul, into the Alibeyköy Dam has unsettled local residents. Ahmet Tahirçeoğulları, who says he has been fishing in the dam’s pond since childhood, called on the authorities to prevent the water from flowing into the dam and to ensure it is treated.
The blue-colored water, reported to have been seen from time to time in Sultangazi, has caused a reaction from residents living around the Alibeyköy Dam. Neighborhood residents believe the water is harming fish and agriculture.
“IT IS USED FOR ALL OF ISTANBUL”
Ahmet Tahirçeoğulları, a resident of Cebeci Neighborhood, claimed that the blue water comes from jeans-washing workshops in the area. Tahirçeoğulları said, “We live in Cebeci village. Here there is blue water coming from Habipler, from jeans-washing factories. Fish live in the Alibeyköy Dam. We have been fishing here for years, and the municipality also uses it. Irrigation is also done for all of Istanbul. We do not want that water flowing into our dam.”
“WE HAVE BEEN CATCHING AND EATING FISH SINCE OUR CHILDHOOD”
Tahirçeoğulları, who argues that the blue water threatens fish and agriculture, said that there are also people having picnics in the area. Tahirçeoğulları said, “We have constantly been catching and eating the fish here with fishing rods since our childhood. There are people going on picnics; we think that water is harmful.”
“THEY SHOULD TREAT IT, IT SHOULD NOT FLOW INTO THE DAM”
Stating that İSKİ has intervened but that a permanent solution is needed, Tahirçeoğulları used the following statements:
“İSKİ is intervening, but these areas were previously placed under protection. Since it is a water basin, a canal was laid here. They should treat it. They should make arrangements accordingly; it should not flow into the dam. After all, we have our dams, there are fish, we have people engaged in farming; we are suffering harm here. We are calling out to the authorities; we would be glad if they take an interest in this issue.”