What
The Ilisu Dam Project is part of Turkey's much larger Southeastern Anatolia Project (GAP). The Dam itself will be a large reservoir and power station that will provide hydroelectric power, flood control and water storage to the region. The power station will consist of 6 turbine-generators. The reservoir will have a surface area covering 313 square kilometers and have a capacity of 10.4 billion cubic meters.
In the peripheral construction of this dam, 52 kilometers of roads will be either raised or repaired and 110 meters of temporary bridges and 250 meters of permanent brides will be built in the Ilisu and Koçtepe villages.
In the peripheral construction of this dam, 52 kilometers of roads will be either raised or repaired and 110 meters of temporary bridges and 250 meters of permanent brides will be built in the Ilisu and Koçtepe villages.
Where
The project will take place on the Tigris River near Ilisu, Turkey. This region borders the Mardin and Sirnak Proveinces. It is an area of political contention and has ties to Kurdistan. Consequently, there is a history of social unrest, violence and instability in the region. Part of the affected area also has archeological importance. In the Village of Hasankeyf for example, resides more than 80 archaeological sites and is considered protected by the government of Turkey.
Downstream of the the dam, the Tigris flows into Syria then Iraq
Downstream of the the dam, the Tigris flows into Syria then Iraq
Who
The main proponent of the project is the government of Turkey especially the development sector who has made the Southeastern Anatolia Project an initiative of high priority. Other groups with a vested interest include advocacy groups and NGOs like Initiative to Keep Hasankeyf Alive and Turkey's Nature Foundation as well as international ECAs.
The project will mainly effect the populations residing the reservoir area. Around 199 settlements will be partially or completely flooded by the dam and more than 6,200 households will be effected. The Turkish government estimates that more that 43,000 people will need to be resettled. However, census data is out of date in that region so the number may have been grossly underestimated.
The project will mainly effect the populations residing the reservoir area. Around 199 settlements will be partially or completely flooded by the dam and more than 6,200 households will be effected. The Turkish government estimates that more that 43,000 people will need to be resettled. However, census data is out of date in that region so the number may have been grossly underestimated.
Why
As part of the Central Government plan to upgrade the Southeastern Anatolia provinces to the national level of living standards, the dam will increase development across many sectors. New infrastructure provided by the dam may provide better access to energy, agriculture, transportation, communication, housing, education and health services.
When
The initial study for the dam project was done as early as 1954 but it was not added to the national plan until 1997. An updated EIA was done in 2005. The report predicted a six year construction plan. However, ground broke on the project in 2006 and has yet to be completed. Construction was slowed down to budgetary and environmental concerns after funding was pulled from the project in 2008. Still, the dam is predicted to be completed this year.