TRT series filming devastates pastureland, village chief alleges retaliation

The village chief of Günevi in Tokat, Turkey, Önder Konuk, has accused the production team of the TRT series "15'liler" of devastating a significant area of pastureland. Konuk alleges that the filming, which took place on the 515-decare Topçam Plateau, resulted in the destruction of grazing land and left behind considerable amounts of garbage and burnt tires.

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You are opposing the state? TRT is making this film.

Konuk stated that the film crew dug trenches and created defensive positions on the plateau, which is home to approximately 500-600 head of cattle and nearly a thousand sheep. He expressed concern for the safety of the livestock due to the debris and burnt tires, emphasizing that the crew left "all the filth behind."

Adding to the grievance, Konuk claims that after he raised the issue with local authorities, planned investments for the village were suspended. He recounted an interaction with the Provincial Special Administration Secretary, who allegedly responded by asking if he was "opposing the state" because TRT was producing the series. Konuk also mentioned facing similar reactions from provincial assembly members and that a criminal complaint he filed was dismissed, with his appeal also rejected.

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All the filth they left behind.

Frustrated by the lack of resolution, Konuk and his lawyer are now pursuing legal action directly against the film company. He stated that the filmmakers had promised to clean the area and develop it for tourism, but Konuk insists that the priority is to restore the pastureland to its original condition.

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We want these places to be restored to their former state.