@article{article_1803014, title={Public land grabbing in the age of neoliberalism: Legal and political mechanisms of capital accumulation in Turkey’s Green Road Project}, journal={ODTÜ Gelişme Dergisi}, volume={52}, pages={375–402}, year={2025}, author={Mutioğlu Özkesen, Melek}, keywords={Yeşil Yol, Kamu Toprağı, Megaprojeler, Toprak Gaspı, Kamu-Özel İşbirliği}, abstract={This study examines land grabbing in Turkey through the Green Road Project, situating it within broader theoretical discussions. Introducing the concept of "public land grabbing," it argues that Turkey’s reliance on public lands and the nature of public ownership shape the legal, institutional, and political mechanisms of land acquisitions via megaprojects. Using legal analysis, field studies, media coverage, and archival research, the study highlights three key arguments: (1) Legal amendments facilitate the commercial repurposing of public lands under the guise of "public interest"; (2) Public-private partnerships enable access to capital on public lands, fostering a crony form of capital accumulation; and (3) "Public interest" rhetoric delegitimizes opposition and fragments resistance.}, number={2}, publisher={Orta Doğu Teknik Üniversitesi}, organization={Yazar, bu makalenin araştırılması, yazarlığı ve/veya yayımlanması için herhangi bir mali destek almadığını beyan etmektedir.}