Protest over 'border' in Kanlıdere: 'They divided us, we can't get services'

Residents of a village, divided by a 2005 cadastral study, are protesting their administrative split, which they claim prevents them from receiving essential services. The village's area now falls under two different administrative entities: Esenköy Village and Bucak Neighborhood.

Şaban Kara, a resident whose part of the village is within Esenköy's boundaries, explained that the 2005 cadastral work divided the community. "We lived together for 35 years. But after 35 years, in 2005, a cadastral study came. As a result of the cadastral study, they divided us in two. We ended up in two different muhtarates (neighborhood/village headman offices) with our uncles, aunts, fathers, mothers, and neighbors with whom we lived together for 35 years," Kara stated.

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We lived together for 35 years. But after 35 years, in 2005, a cadastral study came. As a result of the cadastral study, they divided us in two. We ended up in two different muhtarates (neighborhood/village headman offices) with our uncles, aunts, fathers, mothers, and neighbors with whom we lived together for 35 years.

This division has impacted shared village resources. The mosque and the local tea purchasing point, which were once common facilities, now belong to different administrative jurisdictions. "Our mosque and our tea purchasing point are in separate muhtarlates," Kara said, adding that while they grew up together and shared the same path and air, their mosque falls under one muhtarat and the tea selling area under another.

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Our mosque and our tea purchasing point are in separate muhtarlates.

For nearly 20 years, residents have sought a solution, finding themselves caught between two administrative structures. "We have knocked on every door, approached everyone. But we have always been isolated," Kara lamented. He noted that while the Bucak Neighborhood muhtar claims they will provide services, none are delivered, and the Esenköy Village muhtar offers some assistance, but it never reaches them when needed. They are confused about whom to approach, as one points to the municipality and the other to the muhtarat, despite sharing the same roads and water sources.

The division also separates family members. Kara pointed to Yılmaz Kutlu, whose father's house is next to the mosque but falls under the Esenköy muhtarat, while Kutlu himself lives in the Bucak area. "Is there a line in Turkey that separates a mother and son?" he questioned.

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We have knocked on every door, approached everyone. But we have always been isolated.

Another resident, Avni Adalı, stated they have not received services for 35-40 years. "We want to separate from Esenköy Village and Bucak Neighborhood. We received no service from Bucak Neighborhood, nor from Esenköy. Before the land registry came 35 years ago, we voted for the municipality. But after the land registry came and passed, they cut an apple in two. There was land discrimination," Adalı said. He recounted how his father remained in Bucak Mahallesi while his son ended up in Esenköy. Despite past objections, no one addressed their concerns, and they now feel compelled to make their voices heard.

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Is there a line in Turkey that separates a mother and son?