The Democratic Alevi Federation (FEDA) and the Democratic Alevi Women’s Union (DAKB) issued a written statement regarding planned Geothermal Power Plant (GPP) projects in Varto (Gimgim) district of Muş (Mûş), noting that local residents have long been resisting these initiatives.
FEDA and DAKB stated that the GPP projects would harm both nature and people, adding that the attempt to implement them in areas where Alevi communities live “is not well-intentioned.” They warned that the projects would not only cause environmental destruction but could also lead to forced displacement of the local population.
The statement emphasized that for villagers who rely on agriculture and livestock, contamination of water sources, loss of soil productivity, and destruction of pastures would make life unsustainable. It also drew attention to the risk that implementing GPP projects along fault lines could increase earthquake hazards.
Highlighting the sacred place of nature in the Alevi faith, the statement said: “Mountains, stones, water, and soil are the essence of our belief. The destruction of nature means the elimination of the living spaces of the Alevi faith.”
FEDA and DAKB stressed that the projects are not merely energy investments but represent “the liquidation of life, nature, and belief.”
The statement also called for participation in protests against the projects in Varto, noting that demonstrations will be held on April 11, 2026 in Mersin and on April 24, 2026 in Varto.
FEDA and DAKB concluded: “We will stand against the forced displacement of our people, defend our nature and places of belief. Under the leadership of women, we will expand the struggle to protect life. We will continue our legal and social resistance against these projects. We will not allow anyone to be turned into a refugee on their own land.”
The statement called on all sensitive segments of society to support the struggle against interventions targeting nature and belief.
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