What happened
A decision issued in 2017 stating that a ÇED process was not required for a quarry proposal in Danamandıra has been deemed invalid. The decision related to an area of roughly 150 dönüm.
The outcome followed documentation that the project had not been put into effect within the period allowed under ÇED rules. The decision means the planned site will not be developed into a quarry pit under that approval.
Local residents said the operator, Matkim, attempted to restart the project in 2026 and began cutting trees. They estimate that thousands of trees were cut across the approximately 150-dönüm area before the decision was invalidated.
Why it matters
The case highlights the regulatory risk for quarry and mining developers seeking to revive older environmental approvals. Companies planning to restart projects need to establish whether the underlying ÇED decision remains valid before undertaking site activity.
For communities around Danamandıra, the outcome concerns more than the proposed quarry itself. Residents cite risks to forests, water resources, agricultural land and local historic assets. They also report concerns over blasting at existing nearby quarries.
The development is relevant to businesses operating in and around Silivri, an area that includes water resources linked to Istanbul and part of the Northern Forests. Project expansion proposals in environmentally sensitive locations may face continued local scrutiny.
Background
Residents say there are currently seven active stone quarries in and around Danamandıra. They also report that about 600 dönüm of forest has been lost since the start of the year through expansions at other quarries.
A historic water-channel route near the village has received protection following examinations, according to local representatives. They say quarry expansion activity has nevertheless been proposed close to the route, raising concerns about possible damage from blasting.
What's next
Local representatives say applications to expand other quarries in the area are continuing, and that some new quarry projects are at the start of the ÇED process. No further timetable for those applications was provided.
