02.12.2025 15:55
The province with the dirtiest air in Turkey has been announced. According to the World Air Quality Index, Iğdır has become the city with the dirtiest air in Turkey.
According to the data from the World Air Quality Index project, the province with the most polluted air in Turkey has once again become Iğdır as of December 1st.
CITIZENS ARE CONCERNED The city recorded an AQI score of 443 on November 26th, making it the most polluted province in the country. The repeated high pollution levels at short intervals are worrying the residents of the region. Experts state that air pollution can lead to many serious health issues, including asthma, cancer, stroke, and chronic lung diseases. It is noted that exposure to high levels of polluted air can disrupt development in children, negatively affect mental health, and exacerbate existing conditions such as diabetes.
THERE IS ALMOST NO AIR CIRCULATION IN THE CITY Among the main reasons for air pollution in Iğdır is the surrounding mountains that slow down air circulation. Additionally, the use of low-quality coal, excessive concrete construction, the low use of natural gas, the continuation of animal husbandry in the city, environmental pollution, ongoing infrastructure works that have lasted for years, and unplanned urbanization are significant factors increasing pollution. Not only air pollution but also another serious risk in the city is radiation. The source of this risk is the Metsamor Nuclear Power Plant located near the Armenian border. It is reported that this situation contributes to the widespread occurrence of cancer cases and respiratory diseases such as COPD and asthma in the region. According to the report of the Clean Air Rights Platform (THHP), it is stated that one in every three deaths in Iğdır in recent years is related to air pollution. Citizens, noting that sufficient measures have not been taken for air pollution, called on the authorities.
"THE POLLUTION IS HIGH BECAUSE IĞDIR IS SURROUNDED BY MOUNTAINS" Allahverdi Kum, who stated that Iğdır is the province with the highest air pollution among the 81 provinces in Turkey, said, "Whether it's the center of Iğdır or its villages, air pollution is effective everywhere. There is not enough natural gas in Iğdır. Even in some neighborhoods around Iğdır, there is no natural gas. Therefore, due to the burning of coal and manure, and since Iğdır is in a basin surrounded by mountains, air pollution is high in Iğdır. When you go up, especially in the evenings when you come from Doğubayazıt towards here, the streetlights of Iğdır cannot be seen due to pollution. There is a slight glow, you know. Air pollution is very high in Iğdır. We feel it too. Asthma patients are the ones who suffer the most. I have an asthma patient at home, so I know. Because of the high air pollution, we cannot take our patient outside," he said.
CITIZENS ARE WALKING WITH MASKS Mehmet Emin Öner, who stated that he constantly goes outside with a mask due to air pollution, said, "Iğdır is the province with the worst air conditions among the 81 provinces in Turkey. I am not the only one; all citizens are suffering from this. We are also calling on the authorities. The infrastructure work has taken a long time. As a solution, a watering can be done to prevent dust from rising. Even if asphalt is not being laid, if there is a lack of financial power, at least some watering should be done," he said. Öner, calling on the authorities, said, "I hope it gets better. We want it to be good. But everyone should pay attention to their duties. They are also polluting this air like us. It is harmful for them too."