REPORTER: Olivia Rousset
Bergama was once a thriving Roman city and healing centre - dedicated to Ascelepios, the god of health. In 1994, Australian mining company Normandy started to build a gold mine here.
CHRIS ANDERSON, NORMANDY MINING: Gold has fascinated human beings for thousands of years. The first gold coins were made right here in western Turkey 2,000 years ago. All of the early myths about gold - from Croessus to Midas, to the Golden Fleece - all of that comes from right here in western Turkey.
WOMAN (Translation): Can people stay on and live here with all this noise?
There are 17 villages within 10km of the Bergama mine, home to 35,000 people. The mine was built on some of Turkey's richest farming land, and 5km from a major fault line.
OKTAY KONYAR (Translation): The company came, obtained the licences, cut down our trees, built its buildings. Heavy equipment arrived, ready to produce gold. That was the moment I'd been waiting for all my life. I had to do something. How? With whom? How far could I go?
Oktay Konyar was once a bank manager and has PR skills a mining company would kill for. For almost a decade he has led the mainly elderly villagers in a protest against the mine. Dubbed 'Asterix' by the Turkish press, it seems Konyar can convince the villagers to do anything and follow him anywhere to get the mine closed down. One time he encouraged the women to go on sex strike until their husbands joined the fight. He also persuaded normally modest village men to bare their chests on the Bosphorous Bridge, 500km away in Istanbul.
OKTAY KONYAR (Translation): In the old days, they came with tanks, guns and soldiers. Now they invade us in the name of globalisation, the World Trade Organisation, in the name of wealth. They take our fertile land and look for gold, silver and copper.
In 1997, after years of court battles and countless protests, Turkey's Court of Appeal ruled in favour of the villagers. It found that the use of cyanide used to extract the gold was damaging to health and the mine should be closed.
OKTAY KONYAR (Translation): No appeal was possible. This ruling became law and the mine was closed for a long time. But these multinational corporations have power. They say "You invite us in, we reach an understanding, we spend big money, you grant us licences, then you allow people to go to court and stop us operating."
Normandy is convinced the cyanide leaching process doesn't pose a risk. Eager to prove its point, the company decided to stage a public relations stunt.
CHRIS ANDERSON: When you say something's safe, to people, they want proof. They don't really accept, and rightly so, that what you're saying is true. So we got, I think seven or eight senior people - they either drank the water from the dam, and/or they swam in the dam. And for us, it basically just said, we're putting our money where our mouth is, we're showing you that we truly believe that this is safe.
Just months after the court decision to close the mine, Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit overruled the court and declared the mine open for business. Normandy has not only convinced the government the mine was safe, but has also worked hard to win over key people in the villages.
OKTAY KONYAR (Translation): I present this to the world as an example of dishonour... The leader of Narlica is important in the resistance. His occupation is sheep farming, raising animals. It's his family tradition and what he grew up with. They bought him a minibus and turned him into a minibus driver. He drives workers to the mine and they pay him a wage. They've employed his son and he's given up the sheep too. What do you call this, if not bribery?
Veysel Akcit, the mukhtar, or leader, of Narlica village, he led his people in protests against the mine for 12 years. He now drives workers to the mine in his new minibus.
VEYSEL AKCIT (Translation): That's not related. It's wrong to say I was given it. I bought this minibus with my own money. I asked the mine for work. They gave me work, so I work. Would a mine give away a minibus? Who says that? Why would they? How would they?
CHRIS ANDERSON: I understand that some weeks ago, he came into the tea house and publicly announced that he was supporting the mine now, and that anyone in the village who wanted to work for us was free to do so. We now employ, you know, I don't know, 20 or more people from that village.
OKTAY KONYAR (Translation): They are scum. They came not only to buy people, but to destroy this country's dignity too. They do the same everywhere they go. Don't we know our own people? Don't we see how and to what extent they buy off respectable and honourable people? They know how to do this well. And we know how to resist. Let each do what they know best.
The villagers took the issue to court again in February this year. They claimed the government acted unlawfully when it overturned the original court ruling to close the mine. The villagers won yet again and this time the mine was given a month to cease operations. But the government is unlikely to back down. Turkey is suffering a massive economic downturn and Normandy represents valuable foreign investment. Ismail Duman is a leading metallurgist in Turkey and has become a great supporter of the villagers. He knows how important this fight is.
ISMAIL DUMAN, METALLURGIST (Translation): In Turkey, there are 580 sites earmarked for gold mining. This means 580 wounds of cyanide dams. It also means 580 areas of risk. They know that it will not be easily accepted. At this moment, Bergama is the key. Turkey is a fortress and Bergama is the gateway. They do everything they can to break down the gates. But some people, including the villagers of Bergama are defending the fortress.
Despite winning the last court case, Konyar knows it's important to keep the pressure up. He's gathering the people for a show of force outside the mine tomorrow. He travels in person to seven villages as he suspects his phone calls are monitored.
OKTAY KONYAR (Translation)(In Ovacik village): Everyone is to knock on doors tonight and let them know they must set out early for Camkoy. Wait for me at Camkoy. And you mustn't make a move until I say so.
OKTAY KONYAR AND VILLAGE WOMEN CHANT (Translation): "Turkey will not become another Africa!"
The village women have always been Konyar's most loyal followers.
WOMAN #1 (Translation): I am ill. I keep going from one doctor to another. I've never missed any of the marches. None. I go whether it's Ankara or Istanbul. They fix my bones with a screwdriver.
WOMAN #2 (Translation): People can't sleep because of constant tremors. This morning one woke us up.
OKTAY KONYAR (Translation): These are people who travel for 30 hours on a piece of bread and 10 olives to protect their land. That's why, not only do I want to live with them, but I want to die with them too.
OKTAY KONYAR (Translation) (In Narlica Village): You'll empty out the whole village and be at Camkoy at 10 tomorrow. When we arrive at the next village cafe it seems Konyar has been expected. REPORTER: Why so many gendarmes?
OKTAY KONYAR (Translation) (In Camkoy Village): There were informers.
OKTAY KONYAR (Translation)(In Yalnizev Village: Pinarkoy and most of Narlica are all ready and waiting. Camkoy and Suleymanli are ready. If this village gives its support too, I give you my word of honour, I'll sort it out for good tomorrow.
OKTAY KONYAR (Translation) (In Tepekoy Village): I've got the axe out, my friends. I want to tell you this, friends. If they influence the MPs, our efforts will be wasted. If you don't turn up for two hours tomorrow, in large numbers, I shall hold you responsible. Look, I'm telling you. I'll hold you responsible. You'll hold each other's hands and we'll make the trip.
PROFESSOR ISMAIL DUMAN (Translation): Oktay Konyar has unbelievable skills. He manages to skirt around the laws. And he is one of the very first popular leaders in Turkey to set a model of civil disobedience. He is neither legal nor illegal. He knows citizens' rights inside out. He knows exactly what is legal and what is illegal. He knows the limits very well and through civil disobedience, he sets an example to those people who follow him.
OKTAY KONYAR (Translation): There are always heroes in struggles, as in films. They see me as a hero and I talk as if I am a hero. But the heroes of the struggle are the people.
As a result of this struggle, Konyar has been imprisoned, beaten and has a long list of charges filed against him. He has spent US$50,000 of his own money financing the protest and developed a serious heart problem. Yet despite these hardships, this is a battle he thrives on.
GENDARME OVER LOUDSPEAKER (Translation): Attention, all those gathered here. The action you have taken contravenes Act No. 2911. Please disperse or we will be obliged to use force.
OKTAY KONYAR (Translation): There is a law in our country - Act No. 2911. Anyone demonstrating without permission is charged. We always march without permission. We went everywhere in Turkey and used our democratic rights to apply pressure. We have 19 charges against us. I've already been sentenced to three years. It's now before the appeal court. I could be in jail for us to 15 years.
OKTAY KONYAR (Translation) (SPEAKING OVER LOUDSPEAKER IN VILLAGE): We'll either win this struggle together or we'll quit. We've made a promise. Let us keep that promise. Come on, friends, I'm expecting you all to come.
It's 9:00 on the morning of the march and no-one is ready. But as always, Konyar has a plan.
OKTAY KONYAR (Translation) (SPEAKING TO VILLAGERS): I've never said this before... I am telling you now. My name is Oktay Konyar. I am quitting the struggle, as of this minute. No money or pressure in Turkey, or in the world, has been able to buy me off. But you've scared me. You've wasted my time.
OKTAY KONYAR (Translation): The villagers test you. You must be the first one beaten, the first in jail, the first detained by police, the first to be tortured. You must give them all your economic resources. You must suffer, you must get scolded, you must be yelled at, and endure it all. Then they say, "He isn't selling us out. He isn't politicking. He has a real affinity with us. We must go with this man." They must even feel ashamed, comparing themselves with me. So, I did all that.
OKTAY KONYAR (Translation) (SPEAKING TO VILLAGERS): Nobody can make me do anything, so I won't beg you. If nobody comes, so be it. I am honourable enough to go all the way on my own in the struggle. I'd rather die than give up. Let's go with those who'll come. Let the others sit around.
Konyar leads the protesters down an ancient caravan route that connects the villages. At each stop more people are waiting to join them for what they hope is their last march around the perimeter of the mine.
OKTAY KONYAR (Translation): I became younger with this struggle. My face has colour now. I enjoy life. Of course, there have been difficulties - psychological and material. But life is not only money. We've left something to history. One day, history will wipe away the ashes and bring it to light.
MARCHING WOMEN CHANT (Translation): "We are the people, we are right, and we shall win! We are the people, we are right, and we shall win!"
OKTAY KONYAR (Translation): See the sparkle in people's eyes. They're so happy and enjoy it so much. They're all richer for this, all richer in their hearts.
MARCHING WOMEN CHANT (Translation): "We're defending our land. They're attacking our rights. You've made us distraught. This is our land. Don't be afraid! If you're afraid, you'll be next! We're not afraid of anyone!"
MARCHING WOMAN (Translation): If I was afraid, I wouldn't be here!
CHRIS ANDERSON: Well, if I think that it could be proven that most villagers didn't want us, we'd go away. If it was proven, if the government or the law decided, or, you know, we had 100% of villagers who came and said 'no', then we would...what's the point of being around? You just don't want to be around where that's the case. But I don't think it is the case.
OKTAY KONYAR (Translation): Hasn't Chris seen the thousands who've marched over 10 years? When the gold companies had their eye on Bergama, discussing it over glasses of wine or whisky, didn't they see our strength? Who wants them?
Despite his role as community relations officer for the mine in Turkey, Chris Anderson has never met the leader of the villagers.
REPORTER: It surprises me that you haven't met Konyar.
CHRIS ANDERSON: Um, I don't know. We've just never been in a sitting where we've been able to do that. I'd like to do it sometime. The language would be a problem, I think. You know, I mean, in some ways I don't know what it would achieve, we could argue about the pros and cons of cyanide, but doing it through interpreters and things like that, I mean, I don't really know what it would achieve.
OKTAY KONYAR (Translation): Friends, listen to me carefully. You've been fighting for 10 years. Will you let this mine operate?
PROTESTERS SHOUT (Translation): No!
OKTAY KONYAR (Translation): Will you?
PROTESTERS SHOUT (Translation): No!
While Konyar gives this press statement in front of the mine, the managers of the operation are in Ankara talking to the politicians.
PROFESSOR ISMAIL DUMAN (Translation): I believe that violation of the law in Turkey, even by governments, will not be tolerated. I also trust the legacy of law in Turkey. In Turkey, the law will put a stop to this. Victory will belong to the lovers of nature. Victory will belong to the peasants.
Normandy has now been taken over by the American mining giant Newmont, but much remains the same on the ground. Days after this protest a special decision in parliament allowed the company to continue mining, despite this being in breach of the constitution.
OKTAY KONYAR: In my last will and testament, if I die or I am killed, I've asked my family to bury me under an olive tree. That's where I must live on. And I've said my children, newborn babies, and grandmas and grandpas should continue with this story. These trees never do wrong by people. They're not backstabbers, or cowardly, or dishonourable. They've always given and will continue to give. That's why I want to be laid to rest here.
Bergama was once a thriving Roman city and healing centre - dedicated to Ascelepios, the god of health. In 1994, Australian mining company Normandy started to build a gold mine here.
CHRIS ANDERSON, NORMANDY MINING: Gold has fascinated human beings for thousands of years. The first gold coins were made right here in western Turkey 2,000 years ago. All of the early myths about gold - from Croessus to Midas, to the Golden Fleece - all of that comes from right here in western Turkey.
WOMAN (Translation): Can people stay on and live here with all this noise?
There are 17 villages within 10km of the Bergama mine, home to 35,000 people. The mine was built on some of Turkey's richest farming land, and 5km from a major fault line.
OKTAY KONYAR (Translation): The company came, obtained the licences, cut down our trees, built its buildings. Heavy equipment arrived, ready to produce gold. That was the moment I'd been waiting for all my life. I had to do something. How? With whom? How far could I go?
Oktay Konyar was once a bank manager and has PR skills a mining company would kill for. For almost a decade he has led the mainly elderly villagers in a protest against the mine. Dubbed 'Asterix' by the Turkish press, it seems Konyar can convince the villagers to do anything and follow him anywhere to get the mine closed down. One time he encouraged the women to go on sex strike until their husbands joined the fight. He also persuaded normally modest village men to bare their chests on the Bosphorous Bridge, 500km away in Istanbul.
OKTAY KONYAR (Translation): In the old days, they came with tanks, guns and soldiers. Now they invade us in the name of globalisation, the World Trade Organisation, in the name of wealth. They take our fertile land and look for gold, silver and copper.
In 1997, after years of court battles and countless protests, Turkey's Court of Appeal ruled in favour of the villagers. It found that the use of cyanide used to extract the gold was damaging to health and the mine should be closed.
OKTAY KONYAR (Translation): No appeal was possible. This ruling became law and the mine was closed for a long time. But these multinational corporations have power. They say "You invite us in, we reach an understanding, we spend big money, you grant us licences, then you allow people to go to court and stop us operating."
Normandy is convinced the cyanide leaching process doesn't pose a risk. Eager to prove its point, the company decided to stage a public relations stunt.
CHRIS ANDERSON: When you say something's safe, to people, they want proof. They don't really accept, and rightly so, that what you're saying is true. So we got, I think seven or eight senior people - they either drank the water from the dam, and/or they swam in the dam. And for us, it basically just said, we're putting our money where our mouth is, we're showing you that we truly believe that this is safe.
Just months after the court decision to close the mine, Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit overruled the court and declared the mine open for business. Normandy has not only convinced the government the mine was safe, but has also worked hard to win over key people in the villages.
OKTAY KONYAR (Translation): I present this to the world as an example of dishonour... The leader of Narlica is important in the resistance. His occupation is sheep farming, raising animals. It's his family tradition and what he grew up with. They bought him a minibus and turned him into a minibus driver. He drives workers to the mine and they pay him a wage. They've employed his son and he's given up the sheep too. What do you call this, if not bribery?
Veysel Akcit, the mukhtar, or leader, of Narlica village, he led his people in protests against the mine for 12 years. He now drives workers to the mine in his new minibus.
VEYSEL AKCIT (Translation): That's not related. It's wrong to say I was given it. I bought this minibus with my own money. I asked the mine for work. They gave me work, so I work. Would a mine give away a minibus? Who says that? Why would they? How would they?
CHRIS ANDERSON: I understand that some weeks ago, he came into the tea house and publicly announced that he was supporting the mine now, and that anyone in the village who wanted to work for us was free to do so. We now employ, you know, I don't know, 20 or more people from that village.
OKTAY KONYAR (Translation): They are scum. They came not only to buy people, but to destroy this country's dignity too. They do the same everywhere they go. Don't we know our own people? Don't we see how and to what extent they buy off respectable and honourable people? They know how to do this well. And we know how to resist. Let each do what they know best.
The villagers took the issue to court again in February this year. They claimed the government acted unlawfully when it overturned the original court ruling to close the mine. The villagers won yet again and this time the mine was given a month to cease operations. But the government is unlikely to back down. Turkey is suffering a massive economic downturn and Normandy represents valuable foreign investment. Ismail Duman is a leading metallurgist in Turkey and has become a great supporter of the villagers. He knows how important this fight is.
ISMAIL DUMAN, METALLURGIST (Translation): In Turkey, there are 580 sites earmarked for gold mining. This means 580 wounds of cyanide dams. It also means 580 areas of risk. They know that it will not be easily accepted. At this moment, Bergama is the key. Turkey is a fortress and Bergama is the gateway. They do everything they can to break down the gates. But some people, including the villagers of Bergama are defending the fortress.
Despite winning the last court case, Konyar knows it's important to keep the pressure up. He's gathering the people for a show of force outside the mine tomorrow. He travels in person to seven villages as he suspects his phone calls are monitored.
OKTAY KONYAR (Translation)(In Ovacik village): Everyone is to knock on doors tonight and let them know they must set out early for Camkoy. Wait for me at Camkoy. And you mustn't make a move until I say so.
OKTAY KONYAR AND VILLAGE WOMEN CHANT (Translation): "Turkey will not become another Africa!"
The village women have always been Konyar's most loyal followers.
WOMAN #1 (Translation): I am ill. I keep going from one doctor to another. I've never missed any of the marches. None. I go whether it's Ankara or Istanbul. They fix my bones with a screwdriver.
WOMAN #2 (Translation): People can't sleep because of constant tremors. This morning one woke us up.
OKTAY KONYAR (Translation): These are people who travel for 30 hours on a piece of bread and 10 olives to protect their land. That's why, not only do I want to live with them, but I want to die with them too.
OKTAY KONYAR (Translation) (In Narlica Village): You'll empty out the whole village and be at Camkoy at 10 tomorrow. When we arrive at the next village cafe it seems Konyar has been expected. REPORTER: Why so many gendarmes?
OKTAY KONYAR (Translation) (In Camkoy Village): There were informers.
OKTAY KONYAR (Translation)(In Yalnizev Village: Pinarkoy and most of Narlica are all ready and waiting. Camkoy and Suleymanli are ready. If this village gives its support too, I give you my word of honour, I'll sort it out for good tomorrow.
OKTAY KONYAR (Translation) (In Tepekoy Village): I've got the axe out, my friends. I want to tell you this, friends. If they influence the MPs, our efforts will be wasted. If you don't turn up for two hours tomorrow, in large numbers, I shall hold you responsible. Look, I'm telling you. I'll hold you responsible. You'll hold each other's hands and we'll make the trip.
PROFESSOR ISMAIL DUMAN (Translation): Oktay Konyar has unbelievable skills. He manages to skirt around the laws. And he is one of the very first popular leaders in Turkey to set a model of civil disobedience. He is neither legal nor illegal. He knows citizens' rights inside out. He knows exactly what is legal and what is illegal. He knows the limits very well and through civil disobedience, he sets an example to those people who follow him.
OKTAY KONYAR (Translation): There are always heroes in struggles, as in films. They see me as a hero and I talk as if I am a hero. But the heroes of the struggle are the people.
As a result of this struggle, Konyar has been imprisoned, beaten and has a long list of charges filed against him. He has spent US$50,000 of his own money financing the protest and developed a serious heart problem. Yet despite these hardships, this is a battle he thrives on.
GENDARME OVER LOUDSPEAKER (Translation): Attention, all those gathered here. The action you have taken contravenes Act No. 2911. Please disperse or we will be obliged to use force.
OKTAY KONYAR (Translation): There is a law in our country - Act No. 2911. Anyone demonstrating without permission is charged. We always march without permission. We went everywhere in Turkey and used our democratic rights to apply pressure. We have 19 charges against us. I've already been sentenced to three years. It's now before the appeal court. I could be in jail for us to 15 years.
OKTAY KONYAR (Translation) (SPEAKING OVER LOUDSPEAKER IN VILLAGE): We'll either win this struggle together or we'll quit. We've made a promise. Let us keep that promise. Come on, friends, I'm expecting you all to come.
It's 9:00 on the morning of the march and no-one is ready. But as always, Konyar has a plan.
OKTAY KONYAR (Translation) (SPEAKING TO VILLAGERS): I've never said this before... I am telling you now. My name is Oktay Konyar. I am quitting the struggle, as of this minute. No money or pressure in Turkey, or in the world, has been able to buy me off. But you've scared me. You've wasted my time.
OKTAY KONYAR (Translation): The villagers test you. You must be the first one beaten, the first in jail, the first detained by police, the first to be tortured. You must give them all your economic resources. You must suffer, you must get scolded, you must be yelled at, and endure it all. Then they say, "He isn't selling us out. He isn't politicking. He has a real affinity with us. We must go with this man." They must even feel ashamed, comparing themselves with me. So, I did all that.
OKTAY KONYAR (Translation) (SPEAKING TO VILLAGERS): Nobody can make me do anything, so I won't beg you. If nobody comes, so be it. I am honourable enough to go all the way on my own in the struggle. I'd rather die than give up. Let's go with those who'll come. Let the others sit around.
Konyar leads the protesters down an ancient caravan route that connects the villages. At each stop more people are waiting to join them for what they hope is their last march around the perimeter of the mine.
OKTAY KONYAR (Translation): I became younger with this struggle. My face has colour now. I enjoy life. Of course, there have been difficulties - psychological and material. But life is not only money. We've left something to history. One day, history will wipe away the ashes and bring it to light.
MARCHING WOMEN CHANT (Translation): "We are the people, we are right, and we shall win! We are the people, we are right, and we shall win!"
OKTAY KONYAR (Translation): See the sparkle in people's eyes. They're so happy and enjoy it so much. They're all richer for this, all richer in their hearts.
MARCHING WOMEN CHANT (Translation): "We're defending our land. They're attacking our rights. You've made us distraught. This is our land. Don't be afraid! If you're afraid, you'll be next! We're not afraid of anyone!"
MARCHING WOMAN (Translation): If I was afraid, I wouldn't be here!
CHRIS ANDERSON: Well, if I think that it could be proven that most villagers didn't want us, we'd go away. If it was proven, if the government or the law decided, or, you know, we had 100% of villagers who came and said 'no', then we would...what's the point of being around? You just don't want to be around where that's the case. But I don't think it is the case.
OKTAY KONYAR (Translation): Hasn't Chris seen the thousands who've marched over 10 years? When the gold companies had their eye on Bergama, discussing it over glasses of wine or whisky, didn't they see our strength? Who wants them?
Despite his role as community relations officer for the mine in Turkey, Chris Anderson has never met the leader of the villagers.
REPORTER: It surprises me that you haven't met Konyar.
CHRIS ANDERSON: Um, I don't know. We've just never been in a sitting where we've been able to do that. I'd like to do it sometime. The language would be a problem, I think. You know, I mean, in some ways I don't know what it would achieve, we could argue about the pros and cons of cyanide, but doing it through interpreters and things like that, I mean, I don't really know what it would achieve.
OKTAY KONYAR (Translation): Friends, listen to me carefully. You've been fighting for 10 years. Will you let this mine operate?
PROTESTERS SHOUT (Translation): No!
OKTAY KONYAR (Translation): Will you?
PROTESTERS SHOUT (Translation): No!
While Konyar gives this press statement in front of the mine, the managers of the operation are in Ankara talking to the politicians.
PROFESSOR ISMAIL DUMAN (Translation): I believe that violation of the law in Turkey, even by governments, will not be tolerated. I also trust the legacy of law in Turkey. In Turkey, the law will put a stop to this. Victory will belong to the lovers of nature. Victory will belong to the peasants.
Normandy has now been taken over by the American mining giant Newmont, but much remains the same on the ground. Days after this protest a special decision in parliament allowed the company to continue mining, despite this being in breach of the constitution.
OKTAY KONYAR: In my last will and testament, if I die or I am killed, I've asked my family to bury me under an olive tree. That's where I must live on. And I've said my children, newborn babies, and grandmas and grandpas should continue with this story. These trees never do wrong by people. They're not backstabbers, or cowardly, or dishonourable. They've always given and will continue to give. That's why I want to be laid to rest here.