Deforestation for Military Post in Historic Ezidi Village of Kiwex Triggers Protests

Kiwex, Idil, Turkey

In the heart of the historic Ezidi village of Kiwex, located in the İdil district of Şırnak province, construction of a new military post has begun — triggering protests from local Ezidi residents as deforestation spreads across private and communal lands.

The village of Kiwex, dating back nearly 2,900 years, holds deep cultural and religious significance for the Ezidi people. Although it was forcibly evacuated in 1993, it has since been declared a “tourist area” by Turkish authorities. Today, that designation stands in stark contrast to what villagers describe as ecological destruction and unlawful land encroachment.

Over the past week, trees in surrounding forested areas — including plots officially registered as private property — have been felled without consent, according to multiple sources in the village. A resident speaking anonymously due to security concerns told Mezopotamya Agency:

“They are cutting down trees on our land without asking us. We were not consulted. We did not agree.”

Villagers fear that the construction threatens more than just the environment. “This is not only about trees. It’s about our existence here, our memory, our ties to this land,” one resident said. “We’ve already been displaced once. Now they return under the name of security.”

Allegations of Corruption and Political Complicity

Local anger is also directed at members of the ruling AKP and affiliates of HÜDA-PAR, particularly Sait Sevim, the former party chair in Midyat. He is accused of having facilitated the deforestation by securing the village head’s signature in exchange for money — a claim villagers say reflects a broader pattern of corruption and political disregard for Ezidi rights.

The village council has not issued any formal comment, but those protesting say the clearing is being pushed through under the vague justification of “security concerns,” with no environmental review, no transparency, and no public discussion.

Call for Immediate Action

In a joint statement issued by villagers and supporters, the community is calling for an immediate halt to the deforestation, the cancellation of the military post construction, and a full public inquiry into the decision-making process behind it.

“You cannot destroy the environment, ignore property rights, and damage the social fabric of a historical village under the pretext of security,” the statement reads. “We demand respect for our land, our history, and our future.”

As of now, the clearing continues…

Background:
Kiwex, like many Ezidi villages in the region, was forcibly emptied in the 1990s. Its repopulation in recent years represents a fragile return for the Ezidi people, many of whom have faced repeated displacement, marginalization, and loss of land. For the Ezidi religion, Sharfadin, the land is not just geography — it is sacred space, deeply tied to belief, tradition, and survival.

What is happening in Kiwex is more than a local dispute — it reflects a wider pattern of state-sanctioned neglect and erasure.