Remzi Kazmaz is a multifaceted figure in Turkey, known for his work in law, environmental activism, sports law, writing, and film directing. He stands out as a lawyer who has played an active role in issues such as environmental struggles in the Black Sea region, the rights of tea producers, and the preservation of cultural heritage. Despite coming from a conservative family, Kazmaz is known for his revolutionary spirit. He decided to become a lawyer after being affected by the torture processes of the September 12 coup. Today, he is also active in the political arena as a member of the CHP High Disciplinary Board.

Birth and Family: He was born in 1954 in the Pazar district of Rize, the son of Mehmet Efendi, who worked at the Zihni Derin Tea Factory, and Meryem Kazmaz, a housewife. He is married and has three children. Although his family was conservative, Kazmaz became a left-wing activist in his youth by participating in revolutionary movements.

Education: He completed his primary, middle, and high school education in Rize, then graduated from Istanbul University Faculty of Law. After graduation, he continued his career as a lawyer in Istanbul and Bodrum. He also holds a mediation certificate.

Remzi Kazmaz has been practicing law for over 40 years. He has focused his legal practice particularly on human rights, environmental law, and sports law:

Law and Activism: Having been tortured during the September 12 process led him to become a human rights defender. He has represented victims in social incidents such as the Gazi Neighborhood Massacre (1995). He fought against hydroelectric power plant (HES) projects in the Black Sea region as one of the founders of the "Brotherhood of Rivers Platform" and took on lawsuits to protect rivers and natural resources. He stood with villagers in lawsuits concerning wind energy plants (RES) and land rent in Bodrum and along the Aegean coast. Due to his active involvement in environmental lawsuits, he was tried in 2020 on charges of obstructing an EIA meeting in Bodrum, and the trial process began in the high criminal court in September 2024.

Sports Law: Served as Çaykur Rizespor's legal advisor and vice president for over 20 years, supporting the club even during its relegation periods. Served as a member and vice president of the Turkish Football Federation (TFF) Disciplinary Committee.

Political Career: He began his political career in the CHP Youth Wing during the Bülent Ecevit era, serving as the SHP Avcılar District Chair and in the CHP Avcılar administration. He served as City Council Chair for many years. He was a CHP candidate for the Rize parliamentary seat in the 2018 general elections and was elected to the CHP High Disciplinary Board in 2020. Recently, on November 4, 2025, he visited Istanbul Metropolitan Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, who is imprisoned in Silivri Prison. He also expresses his views on issues such as local government reform.

Kazmaz draws attention to social issues through his legal practice, activism, and artistic production. He has published five books and articles; his works generally focus on the environment, history, and Black Sea culture:

BOOKS:

Çaylar Şirketten (2014): It describes the problems faced by tea producers and the 91-year history of tea. It contains warnings against the risk of Çaykur being privatized.

Aşkın Mabedi: The work that initiated the international legal process to return the Mausoleum, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, from the British Museum to Turkey.

The History of Çaykur Rizespor from Buhti's Time to the Present Day: Documents the history of the club and notable figures from Rize.

Others: Books on environmental and historical themes (e.g., a 208-page work published in 2022).

MOVIES and DOCUMENTARIES:

Gereği Düşünüldü (Gazi Massacre documentary and book): It has won peace awards at international festivals.

Vatandaş Mustafa: A documentary on the fight against environmental destruction.

Ancient Halicarnassus and Didyma The Land of Oracles: Focuses on preserving historical heritage; has contributed to the promotion of tourism in Bodrum and the Aegean region.

Çaylar Şirketten: Exposes dirty tricks in the tea industry.

He has offered solutions to social problems on the television program "Söz Savunmanın" (Defense of the Word). In 2025, he launched a campaign to collect 118,000 signatures for the return of the Mausoleum with the Turkish Promotion Foundation (TÜLOV) and is preparing an application to the European Court of Human Rights.

Environmental and Labor Struggles: He defended market fishermen against cage fishing and supported tea workers' demands for advance payment of their wages. Finally, he reacted to the comparison of fishermen in Pazar to "terrorists," stating, "Fishermen are workers, not terrorists." In Güneysu, he asked the question, "Who will pay the bill?" in response to industrial pollution.

Cultural Heritage: Postcards are being sent to the British Museum to pressure them into returning the Mausoleum.

Political and Social: He has been in the spotlight for his criticism of urban development profits in Ankara (during Melih Gökçek's term) and has written articles advocating for local government autonomy.

Remzi Kazmaz is known for his struggles, which he describes as a debt of gratitude to the Black Sea region where he was born and raised. His work chronicling the history of Rizespor, producing a documentary on tea, and his involvement in hydroelectric power plant lawsuits have earned him the titles "the rivers' advocate" and "the voice of tea."