Villagers reject solar project threatening Turabdin heritage
Residents of the historic Assyrian village of Ayn Wardo (Gülgöze) in Tur Abdin are opposing a large solar power project planned by Turkey’s Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, warning that it could damage farmland, grazing areas, and the region’s ancient cultural heritage.
The G25-Mardin Solar Power Plant, expected to generate 40 megawatts of electricity, is being built on village land traditionally used for agriculture and livestock. Local residents and diaspora Assyrians say the project threatens the fragile revival of Assyrian life in the region, where some families have recently returned and invested in restoring villages and heritage sites.
In an official objection, the Ayn Wardo Association stated that the project could harm water resources, disrupt farming activities, and negatively affect the village’s historic landscape and tourism potential. The group called on authorities to suspend the project and consult directly with residents.
Ayn Wardo is considered one of the most important Assyrian settlements in Tur Abdin, known for its ancient churches, traditional stone homes, and centuries-old religious heritage. Community leaders fear industrial development could permanently alter the character of the area.
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The Assyria Post
