Sunday 25 January 2015

Protest Walk


Map courtesy of BODOSK

Last month I wrote about the renewed threat of hotel construction in the beautiful bay of Kissebükü/Adalıyalı.  Today, Bodrumites are on their way to the proposed site to make their feelings quite clear - violation of this unspoilt spot is not acceptable. The protest organised by Mavi Yol Girişimi was due to be both a land and sea based demonstration but bad weather has caused the sea trip to be postponed to a later date.  I had intended to join the boat as I'd find a 14/15 km walk on rough ground a challenge, but went along to the covered market to see off the intrepid walkers as they got on buses to take them to Çukurgöl, where their 7km walk will start. BODOSK,  Bodrum's Walking Group are organising the hike and insisting that participants are well kitted out for the uneven terrain as this won't be a walk in the park.  That such organisation is necessary just to get to this spot makes one wonder how massive construction can even be considered.


At 9am this morning, 150 were expected to join the buses with plenty others following in cars and others arriving on bicycles.  It is hoped that 100 protesters are also walking from Mazı  to meet up at Adalıyalı.

Provisions for the walk

Only well kitted-out participants accepted
I felt guilty not getting on the bus too, but a gentleman with a dog was turned away, so I didn't agonise too much while Jake and I watched the buses drive off.   Walking that distance while my 4 pawed friend stayed at home wouldn't be right.  (I noticed later that the spurned dog had gone by car)


The list of supporters is impressive and note should be taken that the Bodrum mayor has also put his name to the petition.  These days local government has little say in what goes on in their area but let's hope people power can keep the bulldozers out.


Here is a You Tube clip of how the day progressed :


18 comments:

  1. Good on all of you, B to B. Our hearts are there with you. Here's to people power!

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    1. It worked in the past but not so sure theses days

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    2. Fingers crossed, BtoB .. keep us posted.

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  2. power to the people is a never ending slog - good fortune, good planning, outstanding organisation, innovation (new ways to engage people and keep the media interested) and perseverance are needed just for starters.

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    1. Well this group have all theses for starters. It's money that talks though, isn't it

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  3. Hello,

    Well, it is certainly very reassuring that local people are prepared to organise themselves in this way to make their voices heard. We have to believe that, even as individuals, collectively we can make a difference.

    And, rather than feel bad about not joining the protesters, you should feel pleased that you are doing your bit by raising awareness through a forum such as this.

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    1. Still feel bad, but saved the cost of a helicopter having to rescue me from a hillside.

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  4. Lets hope someone takes notice. Jx

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    1. or feel so bad at desecrating nature that they give up. (I can here Alan snorting from here)

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  5. Good organisation...let's hope it brings results.

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  6. The best of luck to these brave people. Taking on the authorities here in France is like peeing into the oncoming wind - recently protesters against a dam in Sivens were treated to riot police, resulting in the death of a student. Sad times when you die trying to keep areas untouched by constructions and developments. Meanwhile, the government was putting laws through to ban plastic bags in a bid to make France a more ecologically sound country.... It doesn't make sense.

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    1. I don't know why hearing that it is just as bad in France makes me feel better, but it does.

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  7. Way to go Annie. Give 'em hell!

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    1. I can only wave a walking stick at a distance.

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  8. Best of luck, so good of you all, a great awareness; will share from this end - do hope it brings positive results x

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  9. Well done to all concerned and to you for publicising it, BtoB. Governments can't be allowed to get away with this kind of thing unopposed. Over here people are organising about things like high-speed rail lines and fracking, both environmentally damaging. Sigh...

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