Ankara METU forest road project protests

Protests have emerged in Ankara regarding the Bilkent-İncek Connection Road Project, which is planned to pass through the Middle East Technical University (METU/ODTÜ) forest. Demonstrators, including students, alumni, and urban planners, argue that the 4.8-kilometer road serves real estate interests rather than public transportation needs and threatens an ecosystem currently on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List.

As construction resumed, student-led vigils intensified. Protesters alleged that the project would cause ecological destruction and accused the municipality of prioritizing high-income residential corridors. During demonstrations, students reported a confrontation involving an Ankara Metropolitan Municipality (ABB) vehicle being driven toward them.

In response, ABB officials stated that the road plan was approved by the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change. The municipality noted that although they filed legal objections, the Council of State rejected them, leaving officials with potential legal and administrative liability if the approved Ministry plan is not implemented.