Metallurgical engineer Cemalettin Küçük shared his assessments on geothermal projects concentrated in Varto (Gimgim) and Karlıova (Kanîreş), stating that these initiatives are not “clean energy” for the region but rather “tools of destruction.”
Energy and mining projects directly surrounding a total of 22 villages, 16 in Varto and 6 in Karlıova, carry meanings far beyond a local investment for the people of the region. Cemalettin Küçük, former Chair of the Chamber of Metallurgical Engineers of the Union of Chambers of Turkish Engineers and Architects (TMMOB), described this initiative as part of a vast exploitation strategy in which the Anatolian geography is being designed as a “low-cost energy and subcontracted production zone” for international capital. Küçük emphasized that this encirclement of 22 villages represents a step toward turning the region’s pastures and water resources into a “waste zone” for capital.
Political continuity and capital’s project: ‘Central Turkey’
Küçük pointed out that the project of turning Turkey into an energy hub is now being implemented step by step, noting that it was first adopted by the Republican People’s Party (CHP) in 2015 and later claimed by the government under the name “Central Turkey.” He stated that this project is now effectively in operation. He said the core of the project is to transform Anatolia into a logistics and subcontracted production base for international capital. Küçük also said: “This project predates 2015. The CHP brought it onto its agenda and formalized it in 2015, and the government is now implementing it step by step. However, the CHP has not raised it again since. The Anatolian geography is being turned into a subcontracted hub that will meet the energy and raw material needs of global capital. Self-sufficient local life is being replaced by Fordist modes of production and dependency on capital. The issue is not just a single facility, but the role of exploitation assigned to this geography.”
You cannot step in with shoes, yet they destroy it with commitments
Cemalettin Küçük drew attention to the pristine nature of the Şerefdin and Çewlîg (Bingöl) Mountains in the Varto and Karlıova region, pointing to irregularities in the project planning process. He noted that project files themselves describe the area as a “sensitive zone,” yet attempts are made to bypass this through bureaucratic procedures. Küçük said: “They write ‘sensitive zone’ in the file, but then add ‘we will obtain permits, we will make commitments.’ You should not even step here with shoes, let alone conduct drilling. Yet by saying we will seek approval from the State Hydraulic Works and obtain permits from forestry authorities, they are opening these areas to capital. These projects affect not only nature but life itself.”
Warning to municipalities: Pastures cannot be parceled out like companies
Küçük also directed his criticism at solar energy projects planned by the Varto Municipality in the same area and wind energy projects planned elsewhere. While evaluating such initiatives within the scope of “green energy,” he emphasized the importance of how they are implemented and said: “We do not care which party the mayor belongs to. If you occupy pastures with energy panels, you are serving the energy system of capitalism. Yes to a villager installing a panel for their own needs on the highlands but using pastures in this way is not right. We must choose between those who exploit and those who are exploited. Integrating into capitalism instead of struggling against it weakens the self-sustaining structure of the region.”
Poison will flow into Mesopotamia: Water security under threat
Küçük said the region hosts critical water sources feeding the Murat River, a main tributary of the Euphrates, warning that potential contamination from geothermal (GPP) and mining activities could affect a wide geography. Küçük stated: “A leak in geothermal operations could seriously impact water resources. This would mean that water sources originating from the Şerefdin and Çewlîg Mountains could have consequences reaching as far as Mesopotamia. Mining and energy activities directly affect livestock and livelihoods in the region.”
We warned about İliç yesterday, it happened today
Cemalettin Küçük recalled his earlier warnings before the incident in İliç, Erzincan, issuing a similar alert for Varto and Karlıova. Küçük said: “We warned repeatedly about İliç, but it was not taken into account. The outcome is now clear. Today, our assessments regarding Varto and Karlıova should be taken seriously. Information must be evaluated properly. A comprehensive approach is needed to protect the region’s water resources and pastures.”
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