This Saturday (June 7) the Northern Forests Defence group is meeting at 6.30pm at the Tünel end of İstiklal Caddesi to speak up against the construction of the third Istanbul airport.

The controversial project will destroy not only a substantial portion of the Belgrade Forest but also Terkoz Lake, the city’s chief drinking-water source. The new airport is to be constructed on no fewer than 80 square kilometres of land surrounding the lake – and the environmental impact will be, in a word, devastating. A matter of little consequence, apparently.

Forums and solidarity groups will be joining the Northern Forests Defence group with their banners and flags. Sympathisers are invited (and encouraged) to take part.