Karpasia land dispute intensifies over university concession
A coalition of 62 organisations in the north issued a joint statement on Monday opposing the concession of approximately 3,500 acres of forest land in Karpasia to the Istanbul Technical University, warning that the decision raises serious environmental and legal concerns.
“Forests belong to the people,” the organisations said, rejecting the transfer of land they describe as a public asset.
“Forests are not assets to be transferred, marketed or distributed to certain groups.”
The concession was approved by the north’s “parliament” with support from both governing parties and the opposition Republican Turkish Party (CTP), prompting criticism that the legislative process was used to override ongoing legal challenges concerning the status and protection of forest land in the region.
In their statement, the organisations described the move as “a conscious intervention against the rule of law” and “a clear step taken to render a pending case ineffective, to bypass judicial supervision and to leave the legal struggle fruitless”, adding that it amounts to an “abuse of legislative power”.
The measure relates to amendments allowing the transfer and leasing of lowland forest areas, with Karpasia identified as the site for a potential university campus.
The region includes environmentally sensitive zones and areas previously designated for protection.
The organisations said the decision prioritises “the demands of certain circles over the interests of the society”, calling for the immediate withdrawal of the legislation and respect for “the rule of law and judicial independence”.
They also confirmed support for an ongoing legal challenge initiated by environmental groups prior to the law’s approval.
Political reaction followed, with the CTP later calling for the withdrawal of the draft law, citing environmental and social concerns.
The party said it had taken into account growing public opposition and that the issue should be reassessed, warning it would vote against the measure if it was not withdrawn.
The proposal forms part of a plan to establish a university in the Karpasia region, which has historically lacked higher education infrastructure compared with other areas such as Nicosia, Kyrenia and Famagusta.
Earlier discussions have included potential development in Rizokarpaso and Yialousa.
Supporters of the project argue that a university could stimulate economic activity, create employment and contribute to long-term development in a relatively underdeveloped area.
However, opposition groups have raised concerns about environmental degradation, land ownership issues and the cumulative impact of development in ecologically sensitive zones.
Previous disputes over land use in Karpasia, including proposals affecting areas with protected or heritage status, have heightened scrutiny of such projects.
Environmental organisations have consistently argued that legislative changes risk weakening safeguards and enabling construction in areas previously shielded from development.
Critics have pointed to regulatory gaps and planning deficiencies, arguing that new projects require stricter scrutiny to ensure compliance with environmental and legal standards.
In their statement, the 62 organisations framed the concession as part of a broader pattern requiring public accountability.
“This choice will not be forgotten and will be questioned in the conscience of society,” they said, calling on the public to “protect nature, its common living spaces and its future”.