Representatives of Alevi organizations have expressed their opposition to the ‘Landscape Design Project’ that is being undertaken in Munzur Gözeleri in Dersim, Turkey. After a protest meeting, they shared aşure in Munzur (it is a food that is shared amongst those gathered and the act can assume religious significance).
The heads and representatives of the Alevi Bektaşi Federation, the Alevi Associations Federation, the Alevi Foundations Federation, Hacı Bektaş Veli Anatolian Culture Foundation, Alevi Cultural Associations and Pir Sultan Abdal Cultural Association travelled to Dersim to protest against this project, which is proceeding despite numerous objections that have been raised against it from several sections of society.
After the protest meeting with Dersim mayor, Mehmet Maçoğlu, they travelled to Munzur Gözeler.
Alevi Bektaşi Federation president, Hüseyin Güzelgül, emphasized that this construction project will actually destroy Munzur Gözeleri. This should not be allowed to happen, he stated. He also paid tribute to the lawyer Ebru Timtik, who died on the 238th day of her death fast demanding a ‘fair trial’.
Celal Fırat, the President of the Federation of Alevi Associations, also called for Munzur to be protected. After the statements were made, aşure was shared.