27.10.2025 19:45
In the Artuklu district of Mardin, due to the narrow and stair-filled streets in the protected area, the donkeys used for garbage collection will be retired. In place of the donkeys, fully electric small tracked vehicles will be used. Mayor Mehmet Ali Amak stated that they will establish a 'Retired Animal Farm' on an area of 22,000 square meters for these animals.
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One of the most important tourism centers of the Southeastern Anatolia Region, the garbage in the narrow and stair-filled streets of Mardin, where vehicles cannot enter, has been collected for years by the municipal donkeys of Artuklu Municipality.
THEY START WORKING EARLY IN THE MORNING
The garbage collection process, which starts early in the morning with one municipal staff member and lasts until 10:00 AM, continues until 5:00 PM after a 5-hour break for rest and meals.
THEY WORK AN AVERAGE OF 7 YEARS
After the work is done, the donkeys that remain in the historical area created by the municipality are retired after working for an average of 7 years. Retired donkeys complete the rest of their lives in a shelter owned by the municipality.
THEY WILL BE RESTED IN THE RETIRED ANIMAL FARM
Artuklu Municipality President Mehmet Ali Amak, who met with members of the press, stated that they signed a protocol with HAYTAP, indicating that the donkeys used for garbage collection will gradually be withdrawn from this job and will be rested in the 'Retired Animal Farm' they will establish on an area of 22,000 square meters.
"THE WORK WILL BE COMPLETED IN A SHORT TIME"
President Amak said, "The project for the Retired Animal Farm is progressing rapidly on a 22,000 square meter area owned by the Treasury. We are creating this Retired Animal Farm under a joint project with HAYTAP, where all animals can live. In addition, rapid work has been done to create living spaces for animals, all processes have been completed, the area is ready, and we will collect animals that pose a danger to people on the streets and need treatment and provide them with medical care. We are considering very small tracked vehicles that can go up the stairs instead of the donkeys. These tracked vehicles will be fully electric. The work will be completed in a short time," he said.
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