According to information received by Hana Human Rights Organization, on Saturday, October 31, 2026, several ancient oak trees within the grounds of the historic Soleiman Beg Cemetery, located along the Armardeh road in Baneh County, were cut down and uprooted by individuals who appear to be seeking to seize the land and change its designated use.
According to reports received, these actions were carried out with the aim of subdividing and selling part of the cemetery grounds. Sections of its vegetation and natural landscape have already been destroyed.
In addition to its historical and cultural significance and its importance to families in Baneh, Soleiman Beg Cemetery is home to ancient oak trees and forms part of the region’s valuable natural heritage and ecosystem. The destruction of these trees not only damages the vegetation but could also have irreversible consequences for biodiversity, soil stability, and the ecological balance of the area.
Hana Human Rights Organization expresses concern over the destruction of this natural heritage and the possibility of further land encroachment and changes to the area’s designated use. Protecting the site and preventing further destruction require effective intervention by the relevant environmental and natural resources authorities, as well as a legal investigation into the actions taken.
As of the time this report was prepared, no information was available regarding any measures taken by the relevant authorities to halt the destruction or identify those responsible.