Is Akbük’s Ancient Soul at Risk? The Fight for Latmos Mountains Begins

Ah, friends, what days those were… Wandering through the ancient geographies in Kâtip Çelebi’s Seyahatnâme, amidst the mystical mountains of Nepal and the dusty streets of Kathmandu, I always admired humanity’s unique bond with nature. Now, here in Akbük, beneath the shade of olive trees, gazing at the majestic Beşparmak (Latmos) Mountains, that same admiration has given way to a deep concern. For into the very heart of these ancient lands, a mining project threatens to plunge like a dagger, shielded by a mere linguistic formality: an ‘EIA Not Required’ decision. The recklessness behind this ruling isn’t just equivalent to dynamiting nature; it’s an assault on humanity’s collective memory.

They say, ‘the earth is a mother, she nourishes and sustains.’ Our Beşparmak (Latmos) Mountains are precisely that – not just a geographical formation, but a living heritage with thousands of years of olive groves, crystal-clear springs, and prehistoric rock paintings. Even as I savoured freedom on the beaches of Goa, these motherlands, these ancient cultures, were always at the back of my mind. Now, this unparalleled treasure is on the verge of being surrendered to the harsh hands of capital, courtesy of the Ministry of Environment, Urbanisation and Climate Change’s ‘EIA Not Required’ decision – a ‘let them do it, what’s the harm?’ mentality. One doesn’t need to be a soothsayer to see how far removed this decision is from scientific basis; a little conscience and common sense are enough.

İYİ Parti Muğla Deputy, Prof. Dr. Metin Ergun, with the foresight of a scholar, questioned the Ministry, asking, ‘What is the truth of this matter, how can the soul of these mountains be sacrificed?’ The reply, as a journalist, first made me laugh out loud, then choked me. Because the answer was devoid of scientific data, protection plans, mention of olive groves, water resources, or those prehistoric rock paintings – a World Heritage candidate. It read almost like a bureaucrat’s ‘copy-paste’ job, utterly ignorant of the region’s true value. To treat Latmos as if it were just a meaningless scribble on a piece of paper is nothing short of disrespect ingrained into the very soul of these lands.

What Should Local Governments Do?

The local administrations of Akbük and Didim must grasp that this issue isn’t merely a ‘mining project’; it’s about a living space where future generations will breathe, earn a living, and connect with history. Firstly, they must exhaust all legal avenues to challenge and revoke this ‘EIA Not Required’ decision. They shouldn’t just submit petitions but must bring together scientists, legal experts, and civil society organisations to form a robust defence line. They need to develop concrete projects to protect the region’s ecological sensitivity, water basins, olive groves, and prehistoric heritage, offering alternative economic models to demonstrate that mining is not an inescapable ‘destiny.’ Remember, local governments are the custodians of the people, not of capital. Hearing the cry of these lands is their most fundamental duty.

What Can We, as the Public, Do?

We, the true owners of this land, the ancient souls who breathe Akbük’s air, drink its water, and eat its olives… The collective consciousness I witnessed in Goa, in Nepal, that spirit of acting together, must now blossom here too. Firstly, we must overcome misinformation and access accurate data, raising awareness among our neighbours and friends. We should transform social media, local newspapers, and neighbourly chats into platforms for discussion. We must organise petition campaigns and peaceful demonstrations to make our voices heard by authorities. By joining civil society organisations and supporting their work, we can unite our strength. Let us not forget that these mountains, these olive trees, these rock paintings are not just ours, but the shared heritage of the universe and future generations. Cutting down one tree is erasing a story thousands of years old. Let’s combine our energy and protect our land. Because life is not just about breathing; it’s about sustaining life itself.

Yazar: Jonathan