Accumulation, Ruination, and Dispossession in Northeastern Turkey: Dislocations 31

Abstract

This article examines the processes of accumulation, ruination, and dispossession in northeastern Turkey, focusing on the region's recent history of infrastructure development and the displacement of local communities. Drawing on fieldwork conducted in the province of Erzincan, the article argues that these processes are not simply the unintended consequences of economic development but are rather constitutive of the region's political economy. The article shows how the construction of dams, roads, and other infrastructure projects has led to the displacement of local communities, the degradation of the environment, and the concentration of land in the hands of a few powerful actors. The article concludes by arguing that the processes of accumulation, ruination, and dispossession in northeastern Turkey are part of a larger pattern of neoliberal restructuring that is transforming the region's social, economic, and political landscape.

In recent decades, northeastern Turkey has undergone a rapid transformation. The region has been the site of extensive infrastructure development, including the construction of dams, roads, and other projects. This development has brought about significant economic growth, but it has also had a negative impact on the region's environment and social fabric.

Bulldozer Capitalism: Accumulation, Ruination, and Dispossession in Northeastern Turkey (Dislocations Book 31)

by Erdem Evren

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3293 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	214 pages

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One of the most visible impacts of infrastructure development in northeastern Turkey has been the displacement of local communities. The construction of dams has flooded villages and forced residents to relocate. The construction of roads has divided communities and made it more difficult for people to access essential services. The construction of other infrastructure projects, such as mining operations, has also led to the displacement of local communities.

In addition to displacement, infrastructure development has also led to the degradation of the environment in northeastern Turkey. The construction of dams has altered the flow of water, which has had a negative impact on fish populations and other aquatic life. The construction of roads has increased air pollution and noise pollution. The construction of other infrastructure projects, such as mining operations, has also led to environmental degradation.

The displacement of local communities and the degradation of the environment in northeastern Turkey are not simply the unintended consequences of economic development. Rather, these processes are constitutive of the region's political economy. The construction of dams, roads, and other infrastructure projects has been driven by the desire to accumulate capital and to control resources. This has led to the concentration of land in the hands of a few powerful actors and to the dispossession of local communities.

The processes of accumulation, ruination, and dispossession in northeastern Turkey are part of a larger pattern of neoliberal restructuring that is transforming the region's social, economic, and political landscape. Neoliberalism is a political and economic ideology that emphasizes the free market and the privatization of public assets. It has been implemented in Turkey since the 1980s, and it has led to a number of changes in the country's economy and society.

One of the most significant changes under neoliberalism has been the privatization of public assets. This has led to the sale of state-owned enterprises, such as banks, mines, and utilities. The privatization of public assets has benefited a small number of wealthy individuals and corporations, but it has also led to job losses and a decline in the quality of public services.

Another significant change under neoliberalism has been the deregulation of the economy. This has led to a reduction in government regulations on businesses. Deregulation has benefited businesses, but it has also led to an increase in pollution and other environmental problems.

The processes of accumulation, ruination, and dispossession in northeastern Turkey are a direct result of neoliberal restructuring. The construction of dams, roads, and other infrastructure projects has been driven by the desire to accumulate capital and to control resources. This has led to the displacement of local communities, the degradation of the environment, and the concentration of land in the hands of a few powerful actors.

Accumulation

The process of accumulation refers to the ways in which capital is accumulated. In northeastern Turkey, accumulation has been driven by the construction of dams, roads, and other infrastructure projects. The construction of these projects has led to the displacement of local communities and the degradation of the environment. However, it has also generated profits for a small number of wealthy individuals and corporations.

One of the most important factors driving accumulation in northeastern Turkey has been the privatization of public assets. The privatization of state-owned enterprises, such as banks, mines, and utilities, has led to the concentration of wealth in the hands of a few powerful actors. These actors have used their wealth to invest in infrastructure projects, which has further increased their wealth.

Another important factor driving accumulation in northeastern Turkey has been the deregulation of the economy. The deregulation of the economy has led to a reduction in government regulations on businesses. This has made it easier for businesses to make profits, but it has also led to an increase in pollution and other environmental problems.

The processes of accumulation in northeastern Turkey have had a significant impact on the region's social and economic landscape. The displacement of local communities has led to a decline in the population of the region. The degradation of the environment has led to a decline in the quality of life for those who remain. The concentration of wealth in the hands of a few powerful actors has led to an increase in social inequality.

Ruination

The process of ruination refers to the ways in which capital is destroyed. In northeastern Turkey, ruination has been caused by the construction of dams, roads, and other infrastructure projects. The construction of these projects has led to the displacement of local communities, the degradation of the environment, and the destruction of cultural heritage.

One of the most visible forms of ruination in northeastern Turkey has been the displacement of local communities. The construction of dams has flooded villages and forced residents to relocate. The construction of roads has divided communities and made it more difficult for people to access essential services. The construction of other infrastructure projects, such as mining operations, has also led to the displacement of local communities.

Another form of ruination in northeastern Turkey has been the degradation of the environment. The construction of dams has altered the flow of water, which has had a negative impact on fish populations and other aquatic life. The construction of roads has increased air pollution and noise pollution. The construction of other infrastructure projects, such as mining operations, has also led to environmental degradation.

The processes of ruination in northeastern Turkey have had a significant impact on the region's social and economic landscape. The displacement of local communities has led to a decline in the population of the region. The

Bulldozer Capitalism: Accumulation, Ruination, and Dispossession in Northeastern Turkey (Dislocations Book 31)

by Erdem Evren

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3293 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	214 pages

FREE