# Ankara METU forest road project protests > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/ankara-metu-forest-road-project-protests > Updated: 2026-09-04T18:50:39.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2. 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. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-04: METU students protest Ankara road project resumption Students at METU have launched protests and vigils against the resumption of the Bilkent-İncek Road Project, citing ecological risks and legal disputes between the municipality and the Ministry. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/metu-students-protest-ankara-road-project-resumption ### 2026-08-27: ODTÜ Forest road project sparks protests in Ankara Protesters in Ankara are opposing the Bilkent-İncek road project, claiming it threatens the ODTÜ forest and serves real estate interests rather than solving urban traffic issues. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/odt-forest-road-project-sparks-protests-in-ankara --- Cite as: Ankara METU forest road project protests. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/ankara-metu-forest-road-project-protests