25.06.2025 11:55
The number of illegal structures that have emerged overnight in the Taşköprü Plateau of Gümüşhane is increasing day by day. Local resident Erdoğan Yavuz stated, "We complain, and they come and write a fine, then leave. When we get angry at those responsible, they say, 'Is this your father's property? What business do you have here?'"
The illegal container-style structures placed overnight in the Taşköprü Plateau, located within the borders of Gümüşhane's Çorak Village, have caused a reaction from the residents of the plateau.
The residents of the plateau stated that the illegal structures placed arbitrarily in areas where livestock farming is not conducted in the Yeni Yayla area of Taşköprü Plateau disrupted the order of the plateau. Villagers who have been engaged in livestock farming for years expressed that some individuals who only come and stay during the summer months have occupied common areas by placing these structures, leading to the degradation of the natural environment.
"WE ARE COMPLAINING BUT IT DOESN'T HELP"
Fehmiye Yavuz, who said that illegal structures appeared overnight in the plateau they have used as pasture for many years, stated, "We have no place left to graze our animals. They are building illegal houses, coming at night, placing containers, stealing wood, and building foundations so that no one can enter here. They come at night, put down 5-10 containers, and we have no idea. I have complained a lot. I am not afraid, I will complain again, and I will even tell them, 'I have complained about you.' We have no place left for our animals to graze. They come without anyone knowing, we complain, but it doesn't help. We are waiting for help from the authorities; we cannot do anything ourselves," he said.
"THEY TELL US 'IS THIS YOUR FATHER'S PROPERTY?'"
Erdoğan Yavuz stated, "If there are 50 houses in Yeni Yayla, 10 of them are engaged in livestock farming, and none of the others are. Moreover, after establishing their houses, they also occupy 2 acres of land and turn it into pasture. A measure needs to be taken regarding this. We complain, and they write a penalty and leave. The gendarmerie says this is what we have. They should take precautions. When we get angry at those who do this, they say, 'Is this your father's property? What business do you have here?' They clear the land overnight, come in the early morning and place containers. How can this happen? A person puts a house, occupies 2 acres, and mows his pasture down below. He doesn't even stay here; if he did, we wouldn't mind. They are also ruining the natural beauty here; they take the excavator and immediately make a road, quickly put down a container. What kind of disgrace is this?" he said.
STATEMENT FROM THE GOVERNOR'S OFFICE
The Gümüşhane Governor's Office, which made a statement regarding the issue, indicated that necessary determinations and record-keeping processes have been carried out, stating, "The process is continuing in the enforcement phase based on the prohibition decisions issued by our Governor's Administrative Board in accordance with the relevant legislation under Law No. 3091. The necessary procedures related to the issue are being carried out by our Governor's Office under Law No. 3091, Law No. 4342 on Pastures, Law No. 442 on Villages, and Law No. 775 on Squatter Housing. No illegal construction will be tolerated in our plateaus, regardless of who carries it out; all related works and processes will be carried out with determination and diligence," it was stated.