Ankara inhabitants take to streets in bathrobes to protest long water cuts

ANKARA - Doğan News Agency

A long water cut in Ankara’s Çankaya district triggered an unusual protest in which people took to the streets in bathrobes. DHA photo

A long water cut in Ankara’s Çankaya district on Oct. 31 has sparked anger among inhabitants, triggering an unusual protest in which people took to the streets in bathrobes.

The water cut, which was due to road construction work in a forested part of Middle East Technical University’s (ODTÜ) campus, led to around 50 people residing in the neighborhood mobilizing via social media.

They gathered at the 100th Year Square wearing bathrobes, chanting slogans and pretending to shower and shave.

Meanwhile, the Ankara Water Distribution Directorate announced that the water cut in several neighborhoods had been extended until 4 p.m. today, meaning that the cut will last at least 40 hours.

The road construction, linking the Eskişehir Road to the Konya Road, is slated to pass through the ODTÜ forest. The construction work earlier caused tensions between Ankara Metropolitan Municipality and ODTÜ students that erupted into open clashes on Oct. 19 after municipal workers allegedly entered the campus at night during Eid al-Adha to cut down thousands of trees without permission.

The road project has sparked protests that have intensified since Sept. 6. Police have repeatedly resorted to water cannon and tear gas to disperse protests on the ODTÜ campus, sparking solidarity rallies around the country. Ahmet Atakan, 22, was allegedly killed by police on Sept. 10 in the southern province of Antakya in one such solidarity protest.