Retiree dedicates life to nature, planting over 30,000 trees
Ahmet Akdeniz, a father of five children and former forest conservation officer, has dedicated his retirement years to planting trees in various neighborhoods to leave a lasting legacy. After working in Kızılcakuyu, Karadona, and Akbaş neighborhoods in the rural area of Karatay district, Akdeniz returned to his hometown in Balcılar District, Tashkent district. His wife, Selime Akdeniz, remains in Konya for medical treatment, leaving Ahmet to live alone.
Despite his solitude, Ahmet Akdeniz continues his mission of planting trees in his new surroundings. He has planted tens of thousands of almond, mulberry, and cherry trees in the roadsides, mosque gardens, cemeteries, mountains, and hills around his neighborhood. Akdeniz believes that planting trees is his duty, and he takes pride in the idea that these trees will continue to grow and thrive long after he is gone.
When asked about his motivation, Akdeniz explained, “I am a nature lover. I said, ‘If I die, these trees will remind me of me.’ I couldn’t calculate how many trees I planted, but the number of trees I have planted so far exceeds 30 thousand.” His passion for nature and his commitment to the environment are evident in every tree he has planted.
Akdeniz’s efforts have not gone unnoticed. People in the villages where he worked as a forest guard have expressed their gratitude for his dedication. They have recognized the impact of his work and appreciate the beauty and benefits that the trees bring to their communities. Akdeniz is happy that both people and animals can enjoy the fruits of the trees he has planted and hopes that his legacy will be remembered for generations to come.
In conclusion, Ahmet Akdeniz’s story serves as a reminder of the importance of conservation and environmental stewardship. His selfless acts of planting trees have not only beautified the landscape but have also enriched the lives of those around him. As Akdeniz himself puts it, “This world comes and goes, no one remembers the person without his work.”
