Once, a cemetery occupied the lower part of what we now call Morro Jorge Turco. This is where our story begins. Now, look around. We are standing on Morro Jorge Turco. This place has a history as complex as the city itself.
Morro Jorge Turco also known as Morro União sits between Coelho Neto, Colégio, and Fazenda Botafogo. Its story is deeply rooted in the community’s struggles and resilience. The official name is Morro União.
The hill got its popular name from a cemetery caretaker named Jorge. He was Turkish. Residents say that the lower part of the Morro was once a cemetery. For some reason it closed. People began building homes there. The community grew. It became known as Morro Jorge Turco.
Unfortunately information about its origins is scarce. News reports often focus on the violence here. Shootings, deaths and gang wars are frequently mentioned. In 2012, it was reported that the area had the lowest HDI in Rio de Janeiro.
The government has seemingly abandoned this area. Only garbage collection and police operations seem to function properly. Residents say they have never seen any social action organized by the government here.
However, it is important to note the community’s spirit. Despite the challenges, the residents have built a life here. They share stories and memories that keep the history of Morro Jorge Turco alive.
An interesting story involves a local drug lord nicknamed Marreta. He is also known as “Lord of War”. Marreta rose through the ranks of Comando Vermelho. He became known for his strategies to expand the gang’s influence across Rio de Janeiro. His group called “The Marreta Gang” became infamous. They invaded communities in Morro Jorge Turco and Praça Seca. They fought against rival militias.
Marreta escaped from prison in 2013. He was recaptured in Paraguay in 2014. Supposedly he was negotiating arms deals for Rio de Janeiro while on the run. Even after being imprisoned again, authorities intercepted communications. It seems he was still negotiating arms deals with associates. Eventually, he was moved to a federal prison.
In late October 2024, gang members celebrated their boss’s birthday. They fired shots and set off fireworks from the top of Morro Jorge Turco. These shots were aimed towards communities controlled by a rival gang. The neighboring favelas of Para-Pedro and Acari are rivals of Morro Jorge Turco.
Morro Jorge Turco’s story reflects both struggle and resilience. It also shows how communities can create an identity. The name “Jorge the Turk” lives on in the community’s heart. It represents a unique chapter in Rio de Janeiro’s history.