Starting point of the official process and quick summary of the ecological transformation in the area
Martiligöl is at the center of the plans carried out to transform the area, which was used as a mining area in the past and turned into an artificial lake when rainwater accumulated, into nature through rehabilitation processes. The region has been included in a comprehensive improvement program because the pits and puddles that formed after many years of activities pose a risk to social security. In this context, measures for controlled discharge of water, safe passageways for fish and fauna and diversion to water dams have been implemented.
Official processes began when the General Directorate of Mining and Petroleum Affairs received the news of the depletion of the reserves. In line with the decision to start rehabilitating the old mine sites in the region, the need for soil filling and dumping arose; These steps were implemented by public institutions working in harmony.
EIA Opinion: Is it necessary?
In order for the rehabilitation project to be implemented effectively, the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process was moved to the Provincial Directorate of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change. The decision dated 22 November 2024 confirmed that there was no EIA requirement for the area and that the work would be carried out in compliance with the provisions required by the current legislation. This decision was recorded as a clear approval focusing on the preservation of ecological balance.
Land Filling Decision from the Regional Directorate of Forestry
Regarding the technical details of the project, in the application sent to the Regional Directorate of Forestry on December 17, 2024, 13,528,330.30 cubic meters of land filling was requested for rehabilitation in an area of 436,845.45 square meters. With the application being found positive, the request was approved with a letter dated 28 May 2025 and the work area was accepted as permitted until 23 May 2030. This process was seen as a critical juncture in terms of land use and ecosystem restoration.
IMM Assembly Approval and Transfer to İSTAÇ
The approval of the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Council was required to ensure the feasibility of the planned landfill operations. With the Parliamentary Decision No. 632 taken on June 19, 2025, the area was transferred to İSTAÇ A.Ş. for the purpose of execution. This step strengthened the coordination in practice by ensuring that the processes proceed rapidly in cooperation with the public and local government.
Artificial Lake: Assessment of Life Safety and Environmental Risks
The current situation in the lake can be summarized as the hole formed as a result of many years of mining activities in the region, accumulating over time and forming an artificial lake. It was determined that the artificial pond poses risks to life safety. For this reason, minimizing the risks and transferring water through safe channels has become critical within the scope of rehabilitation works. The project team adopted a security-focused approach and developed comprehensive plans to strengthen the security of the region.
Fauna and Flora: Critical species identification and conservation approach
Before the work began, scientific literature and interviews with local people were used to clarify the ecological situation of the area. A comprehensive recording study was carried out to identify critical species in terms of fauna and flora. The findings showed that the fish species found in the pond did not occur naturally and were artificially released by humans without permission in the past years. This situation necessitated taking special measures in terms of protection criteria and monitoring programs. However, the available data also revealed that critical species were not detected and there were no elements that would disrupt the ecological balance.
Fish Were Safely Directed to Alibeyköy Dam
The plan for the future of fish was designed in line with scientific and technical criteria. The aim was to protect the natural habitats by safely directing the fish to the Alibeyköy Dam through the created channels and stream connections. This transfer was carried out based on the natural attraction of water and was supported by pump support when necessary. Water circulation was ensured through controlled discharge processes to the nearby İŞKİ water dams, and the lake was not deprived of water, ensuring confidence in the capacity of the filling and discharge pipes.
Reintegration of the Structural System of the Lake
Reintegration of the existing structure of the lake was achieved throughout the rehabilitation process. In the following stages, with the completion of the landfill works, habitat revision and water quality management were aimed for creatures that want to survive in water. Technical teams took care to adjust the filling amount and discharge capacity in a way that would not disrupt the ecological balance. These steps are designed to ensure the long-term sustainability of the region.
Roadmap of the Project in the 2025–2030 Timeframe
The road map, determined by the coordination between relevant institutions, focuses on three main periods: improvement infrastructure, anticipated security measures and ecological monitoring. The approved plan of the Regional Directorate of Forestry also clarified the construction and rehabilitation calendars until 2030. In this process, landfill projects, land and water infrastructure integration, fish guidance mechanisms and drainage system optimization will be carried out in parallel. Thus, it is aimed to protect the security and ecological health of the region in a balanced way.
Social Interaction and Public Awareness Raising
The social dimension of the project is at least as critical as the technical stages. Information activities carried out with local people aim to clearly explain safety protocols and ecological benefits. In this context, regular posts are made about the planned works and citizens’ feedback is received and integrated into the process. Thus, security concerns are eliminated and social awareness about ecological sustainability is increased.
The Path That Has No Result But Becomes Clear: Project Final Goals
This rehabilitation process should not be seen only as a technical intervention. It also aims to restore local ecosystems, increase water security and strengthen social security. Safe guidance of fish and integration of water into dams with controlled flow are the product of an approach that considers ecological balance. The project attracts attention with its potential to improve the quality of life in the region and offer a model that can be applied in similar areas in the future.
