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Preservation of cultural heritage
As a matter of course one of the priorities for the consortium is the preservation of cultural heritage in the area of the Plant. Likewise the Turkish government has always stressed the importance of these heritage sites. The proof for the central importance of it: In coordination with the consortium altogether 100 million dollar will be made available for the relocation and the reconstruction of archaeologically valuable monuments. Thus a break-through was obtained with regard to this point discussed by some NGO's in the past. The cultural heritage within the range of the plant will be salvaged and sustainably secured.
You can find the full reports below:
- Cultural Heritage Action Plan (CHAP)
- New Cultural Park Area Hasankeyf
- 2002 Excavations at Hasankeyf
- Terms of Reference (TORs Cultural Heritage)
The solution in detail: Since 1968 comprehensive archaelogical analyses in the context co the GAP project in Anatolia have been made by national and international experts. In the area of the Ilisu dam archaeological excavations especially in Hasankeyf city are of particular interest (Hasankeyf is situated 36 kilometres southeast of Batman and 26 kilometres north of Gercues). It is estimated that the city has a history going back to late Assyrian and Urartu times during 7. Century B.C.
However: As of today a majority of the archaeologically valuable monuments are in desolate condition, some even collapsed.
Investigations of reputable, independent experts, mainly from Turkey and the USA, have - in course of the Ilisu project - fathomed the archaeological potential of Hasankeyf in the past decades. In 1998 a protocol was signed between the Ministry of Culture, DSI and the Middle East Technical University (METU) for the execution of archaeological investigations in the Ilisu area. The institute TACDAM (Centre for Research and Assessment of Historic Environment) of METU has been acting as coordinator for the archaeological works, these works will be completed until the project is implemented. Up to the end of the year 2000 955,000 USD were spent by DSI solely for this purpose.
The Ministry of Culture identified 22 monuments of cultural and historical value in Hasankeyf. Almost all monuments can be salvaged. It is planned to reconstruct these in the upper part of the city, which remains exempted from flooding and is culturally more valuable. Most of these artefacts are however at present in such a bad condition that they have to be restored comprehensively before being relocated.
The 100 million dollars which are made available for the salvage of Hasankeyf cultural artefacts will also give a fresh impulse to tourism. A tourism centre as well as a widespread archaeological park and a museum will be established. This measure will lead to a new tourism magnet creating hundreds of new jobs and will help to raise the income level of the local population.
Three optional sites for the reconstruction of the concerned part of Hasankeyf were discussed; on July 8th, 2005 the one alternative was selected which is deemed to have the highest touristic potential (including the site at the lake). The responsible government agencies, the regional authorities and archaeological experts participated in this finding.
Fact is: Without these efforts in the course of the Ilisu project Hasankeyf would have been finally decayed. Now, nearly all historical remnants can be saved however. More than this: They will be saved on the long run and thereby represent the touristic potential in future.
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