Turkish Village Vows to Fight Mining Giant: “We Will Protect Our Homes”
A small village in Turkey is standing up to a mining exploration project that threatens their homes and land.
In July 2025, a mining exploration project began in the village of Aslandere, located in the Fındıklı district of Rize, Turkey. The initiative started at the same time as a change in the law, sparking immediate resistance from local residents [168301].
Official reports from Turkey’s Mineral Research and Exploration Institute (MTA) and land registry data have revealed property risks in the area [168301]. In response, villagers, rights advocates, and the local government have stated they will defend their living spaces [168301].
“We will protect our homes,” they said [168301]. The conflict highlights growing tensions between resource extraction and community rights in the region [168301].