# Turkey forest land reclassification > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/turkey-forest-land-reclassification > Updated: 2026-09-21T02:20:00.000Z. Sources: 7. Developments: 2. A series of presidential decrees in Turkey has removed approximately 4,300 hectares of land from forest boundaries across 27 provinces. The regulation affects various regions, including Ankara, Mersin, Muğla, and Istanbul. To compensate for the loss of forest status, the decree requires that real estate at least twice the size of the removed areas be allocated to the General Directorate of Forestry to create new forest lands. In Istanbul, the reclassification specifically impacts areas such as Beykoz, Pendik, and Sarıyer to facilitate residential development, including roads and villa gardens. In Sarıyer, certain natural protected areas have been transitioned to “Sustainable Protection and Controlled Use Areas,” while some Treasury-owned wooded lands are slated for privatization. Critics and experts have raised concerns regarding the environmental impact. While the decrees allow for administrative planning and settlement, experts warn that ecosystem services may not be easily replicated by new afforestation. Additionally, political figures have noted a tension between the rapid declassification of land via Article 16 of the Forest Law and the ongoing need to combat forest fires. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-21: Turkey removes 4,300 hectares of forest land from protected status Presidential decrees have removed 4,300 hectares of forest land from protection across 27 Turkish provinces, including major areas in Istanbul, to allow for residential development and privatization. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/turkey-removes-4300-hectares-of-forest-land-from-protected-status ### 2026-09-17: Turkey removes forest boundaries in 27 provinces by decree A Turkish Presidential Decree has removed approximately 4,300 hectares of land from forest boundaries across 27 provinces, requiring the allocation of twice that area to create new forests. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/turkey-removes-forest-boundaries-in-27-provinces-by-decree --- Cite as: Turkey forest land reclassification. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/turkey-forest-land-reclassification