Creation of Turkish Century Mehmetçik Memorial Forest in Bingöl
Turkish Century Mehmetçik Forest Planted in Bingöl
In an effort to increase green areas in the province of Bingöl, a total of 1510 saplings of Scots pine, larch, almond, cedar, and blue spruce species were planted on a 10-thousand-square-meter area opposite the AFAD Provincial Directorate. The initiative was carried out by the 49th Commando Brigade Command and the Forest Management Directorate, with the participation of Governor Ahmet Hamdi Usta and soldiers, who planted the saplings with children.
Governor Usta expressed his confidence in the Mehmetçiks as he entrusted the saplings planted with the soil to them, emphasizing the importance of the planted area which will be known in the future as the “Turkish Century Mehmetçik Forest.” It is expected to significantly contribute to the greenery of Bingöl. Governor Usta also highlighted the ambition to elevate Bingöl’s forest presence to higher levels, aiming to increase the current 35 percent figure to 40-50 percent with such initiatives.
Infantry Colonel Gazi Sever, Deputy Commander of the 49th Commando Brigade, stressed that it is the responsibility of everyone to leave more green areas to future generations. He emphasized the civic duty to protect and expand forest assets and resources in the best possible way.
The event was attended by Mayor Erdal Arıkan, 8th Corps Commander Major General Tamer Atay, Provincial Gendarmerie Commander Brigadier General Bilgihan Yeşilyurt, Provincial Police Chief Şükrü Orhan, Forest Enterprise Manager İbrahim Börü, and students. The presence of these officials and students demonstrated the collective commitment to the reforestation effort in Bingöl. The initiative is a step forward in the province’s endeavor to increase its forest presence and contribute to the overall greenery of Turkey.
