The “parliament” in the occupied areas has approved a bill granting approximately 3,500 acres of forest land in Karpasia to Istanbul Technical University (ITU). With this approval, the total land allocated to ITU in the area reaches 6,000 acres, including 2,000 acres of “state land” and 500 acres of previously expropriated private property for the creation of a university campus.
Political debates and strategic claims
During parliamentary discussions, the “prime minister” Ünal Üstel said the forest area would be used for recreational purposes, claiming strategic reasons related to Turkey’s military strategy and national security, without providing further details.
Political tensions were evident as the Republican Turkish Party (RTP) initially supported the bill but later opposed it following public backlash. RTP leader Sıla Usar İncirli emphasised the need to define land boundaries and consult all stakeholders before proceeding.
Environmental and civil society opposition
Environmental groups and civil society organisations have voiced strong opposition. The Turkish Cypriot Green Peace Movement filed a lawsuit against the “illegal allocation” of forest land, citing previous grants in 2010 and 2015 that allegedly violated forest laws.
Experts warn that converting large forest areas into investment zones could result in irreversible ecological damage. Environmental engineer Yasemin Çobanoglu highlighted that such transfers threaten biodiversity, environmental integrity, and the rights of future generations.
Calls for responsible planning
The Turkish Cypriot Union of Engineers and Architects and cultural organisations like the Baraka Centre stressed that forest protection is a collective responsibility. They urged decision-makers to act with common sense, scientific evidence, and careful assessment of environmental impacts to preserve these areas for future generations.
Also read: HMS Dragon Cyprus arrival exposes UK military gaps
For more videos and updates, check out our YouTube channel
