Dam projects face to face in NGO stands
Güncelleme Tarihi:
Hürriyet Daily News
Oluşturulma Tarihi: Mart 20, 2009 00:00
ISTANBUL - While Environment Minister Veysel Eroğlu wandered around the nongovernmental organizations' stands he came face to face with Rafet the turtle, which faces extinction because of the Ilısu Dam project. Construction on the project has already begun by the General Directorate of State Hydraulic Works, or DSİ, and international funders.
The authorities of the Doğa (Nature) Association, who are holding campaigns to save the 10,000 year old settlement of Hasankeyf, informed Eroğlu, who has upheld the construction, about the eco-system and species facing danger because of the dam's construction.
The Ilısu Dam project is one of the most discussed dam projects around the world because it will leave the ancient town of Hasankeyf underwater.
Eroğlu and the project holders have not given up on the project while it remains certain the project will be the death of one of Turkey's natural and cultural heritage sites.
Historic city to be moved
Scientists and environmentalists find no truth in Eroğlu’s justification, saying the historic city will be moved and an archaeological park will be constructed. They also claim that not even a sign will be left from Hasankeyf.
According to Professor Zeynep Ahunbay, the president of Istanbul Technical University’s Restoration Department, the monument-like pieces that will be placed in the archaeological park will not be the real ones, they will be copies of the existing heritage.
The Ilısu Dam project is one of the most discussed dam projects around the world because it will leave the ancient town of Hasankeyf underwater.
Eroğlu and the project holders have not given up on the project while it remains certain the project will be the death of one of Turkey's natural and cultural heritage sites.
Historic city to be moved
Scientists and environmentalists find no truth in Eroğlu’s justification, saying the historic city will be moved and an archaeological park will be constructed. They also claim that not even a sign will be left from Hasankeyf.
According to Professor Zeynep Ahunbay, the president of Istanbul Technical University’s Restoration Department, the monument-like pieces that will be placed in the archaeological park will not be the real ones, they will be copies of the existing heritage.