06.10.2025 01:26
In the referendum regarding whether the village of Ekşinar, located in the Ardanuç district of Artvin, should be included within the boundaries of the Ardanuç Municipality, the villagers decided in favor of remaining a village. Out of 102 voters, 79 participated in the referendum, where 46 votes were counted as 'no' and 33 as 'yes'.
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In the Ekşinar village of Ardanuç district in Artvin, a referendum was held by the Supreme Election Council after some villagers expressed their desire to join the boundaries of Ardanuç Municipality.
THEY SAID 'NO' TO BEING INCLUDED IN THE MUNICIPALITY BOUNDARIES
In the referendum conducted under the supervision of the District Election Board, 79 out of 102 voters went to the polls. 46 votes were counted as "no" and 33 as "yes." According to the referendum result, Ekşinar village was not included in the municipality boundaries and maintained its village status under the responsibility of the Provincial Special Administration.
"I VOTED 'NO' TO PREVENT THE LOSS OF PERSONAL RIGHTS"
Muhtar Mevlüt Akbulut stated the following regarding the referendum result: "The village's main sources of livelihood are vegetable farming, fruit growing, and small-scale animal husbandry. Of course, we will face some grievances in certain matters, but there will also be some gains. However, as a muhtar, my opinion is that we will be at a bit more of a loss. I think so right now, but I respect whatever the villagers want. I am on the side of the people. The previous settlements of Ardanuç were submerged under the dam. The burden of vegetables fell on Ekşinar village. We came from there and established ourselves here. We formed a beautiful community of 10-15 households. We want to offer this vegetable and fruit production to our people. Ardanuç can meet the vegetable needs. I voted 'no' to prevent the loss of the villagers' personal rights."
"GREENHOUSE FARMING AND ANIMAL HUSBANDRY SHOULD BE DONE IN THIS VILLAGE"
Okan Genç from Ekşinar also stated, "I am clear on this issue. I voted 'no' because I do not want our villagers' personal rights to be lost. Greenhouse farming and animal husbandry are done here. If someone in the center says, 'I want to establish a greenhouse,' the municipality will not allow it. Then they will say, 'Ekşinar is also a center, there is a greenhouse there.' This time it will be used as a precedent, and our village will face problems. Greenhouse farming and animal husbandry should be done in this village. People earn their living from these. That’s why I voted 'no.' If 'yes' comes out, of course, we will work for our village and Ardanuç."
"WE ARE EAGER TO COME TO THE VILLAGE, WHY SHOULD IT BE A CITY?"
Nebiye Genç from Ekşinar village said, "A yes-no vote is being held. Yes, we are natives of this village. We live in the city in winter, but in summer we are eager to come to the village. I already live in the city, so if my village is going to become a city, why would I want that? I do not want it. I want us to boil molasses, let our smoke rise, our chickens cluck, and our cows moo. But if it becomes a city, these will not happen. Neighbors will be disturbed, they will complain. The police will come and write a fine. I voted 'no' because I want my village to remain a village. Let it be like a village." he said.
Source: AA / ANKA
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