It has been revealed that one of the four quarries that are due to be opened in the district of Savur (Stewr) in Mardin (Mêrdîn), Turkey, belong to Edip Basınç, the head of the Ottoman Organization in Savur District.
Contradictory statements were presented in the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report that was prepared for the projected stone and marble quarries. Whilst one section of the report states that “there are no plants in the form of shrubs and trees” in the 24 hectare area that is determined as the field of activity, another section states that about 1,900 trees in the forest will be affected by the project.
According to Mezopotamia News, the four quarries will be operated by Alaattin Çetin, Çalık Petrol Exploration Production Industry and Trade Corporation, Zeki Cengiz and Edip Basınç. The residents of the region are reportedly against the projects in the area. They state that the underground waters, endemic plant species and 4th century caves in the area should be protected.