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Damlalı Dede Recreation Area faces severe vandalism in Afyonkarahisar
The Damlalı Dede Recreation Area in the Bolvadin district of Afyonkarahisar has fallen into a state of disrepair due to neglect and vandalism. Located in Kemerkaya village, the site was originally opened to the public in 2018.
Reports indicate significant environmental pollution, with visitors leaving behind piles of trash and alcohol bottles. Physical damage has also been documented, including broken iron safety railings and the removal of the Kemerkaya Muhtarlığı Damlalı Dede entrance sign. Additionally, a historical information board detailing the area's cultural significance was destroyed.
In a notable act of vandalism, the faces of individuals in a commemorative photograph—which includes Akif Özkaldı, who served as Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Forestry from 2018 to 2022—were scratched out using sharp objects. Concerns regarding fire safety have also been raised, as visitors have been observed lighting uncontrolled fires using stones instead of using the provided barbecue units. Local residents have called for urgent maintenance and protection of the site.
Entities
Afyonkarahisar · Akif Özkaldı · Bolvadin · Damlalı Dede Mesire Alanı · Kemerkaya
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] A historical information sign describing the area's cultural value was destroyed. gazeterize.com · www.mersinhaber.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Visitors have left piles of waste and alcohol bottles throughout the site. gazeterize.com · www.mersinhaber.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] The Kemerkaya Muhtarlığı Damlalı Dede sign was removed and dragged on the ground. gazeterize.com · www.mersinhaber.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] People have been lighting uncontrolled fires using stones instead of designated barbecue units. gazeterize.com · www.mersinhaber.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Faces in a commemorative photo featuring former Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Akif Özkaldı were scratched out with sharp objects. gazeterize.com · www.mersinhaber.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Iron safety railings at the site have been broken by individuals. gazeterize.com · www.mersinhaber.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] The Damlalı Dede Recreation Area in Kemerkaya village was opened for public use in 2018. gazeterize.com · www.mersinhaber.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Local residents have called on authorities to clean and restore the area. gazeterize.com · www.mersinhaber.com