This project tells the story of people who have been forced to abandon their habitats in the northeast and southeast (Upper Mesopotamia) of Turkey due to the construction of dams. The dams, constructed in the context of the state's water policies in the Çoruh Valley and Tigris Valley, submerged several ancient settlements, religious structures, and numerous cultural heritage sites. The loss of valuable agricultural lands along the river has economically weakened the local population, forcing them to migrate to major cities.
Over 20,000 people of different ethnic backgrounds, including Turks, Kurds, Arabs, Georgians, and Laz people, have been forcibly displaced. This migration also inflicted damage on the spatial memories of the affected individuals. A significant portion of the local population engaged in farming and animal husbandry had to relocate their living spaces to higher grounds. The displacement process was a traumatic experience that these individuals had to confront.
These ancient lands carry the social identity of the local populace and the cultures that once dominated the region. In the current era referred to as the "new normal," tourist areas have emerged with boats floating on reservoirs and visitors taking selfies. However, the local community still struggles to adapt to profound changes in their cultural and social lives.
In these regions, many ethnic groups affected by dams are compelled to abandon their traditional lifestyles and adapt to modern living environments. This situation triggers the disappearance of many values that need preservation, ranging from local languages to rituals.
Disappearance Of Memory
One of the controversial dams of the oruh Development Project the Yusufeli Dam will submerge approximately one district center and seven villages directly affecting around 20 000 people Along with the dam which will cause the most land loss among the development projects in the region 3 219 hectares of land 62 of which is forested will be submerged
Disappearance Of Memory
The local community facing the imminent submersion of their homes in about 3 days is currently engaged in dismantling materials that could be useful They intend to use these materials in the construction of their new residences
Disappearance Of Memory
Houses that were once filled with children are now inundated with water The owner of the houses will not be able to see them anymore in a week since that water rises 1 5 meters a day br
Disappearance Of Memory
The residents of Yusufeli are watching their former living areas with nostalgia and sadness as the waters of the dam rise right before their eyes These emotional moments are particularly affecting the elderly as they witness their old homes where they spent a significant part of their lives being submerged underwater For approximately 20 000 people living in the town center these submerged lands represent a past filled with unforgettable memories
Disappearance Of Memory
A family planning to build new homes in higher areas unaffected by the dam water is currently carrying out the removal of trees from the houses that will be submerged These trees will be used in the construction of their new homes
Disappearance Of Memory
The Yusufeli Dam built on the Coruh River is the third tallest dam in the world with a height of 275 meters Due to the dam construction 20 000 people in the submerged Yusufeli district were forced to relocate The dam waters rising 2 meters daily completely submerged the district within 15 days
Disappearance Of Memory
An elderly woman sits in front of her old home which she is reluctantly leaving She is deeply saddened by the necessity of parting with her cherished place Having spent her entire life in this valley she visits her home every day until it is completely submerged
Disappearance Of Memory
Due to the dam 198 settlements were flooded The village in Siirt known as Her ex in Kurdish is one of them All the villagers had to migrate to the city smet one of the residents of this village now works in a factory in the metropolitan city He and his son go to see his old house which was revealed when the water level was low That way they think their memories stay fresh
Disappearance Of Memory
A wedding on the street in the city suburbs People migrating from the village to the city are facing some cultural changes Tossing fake dollars at celebrations in the city suburbs is now one of the new wedding normals
Disappearance Of Memory
Elif a member of a Kurdish nomadic family is now attempting to practice animal husbandry in a more confined area due to the closure of passages along the Tigris River restricting their previous expansive geographical range Considering the excessive warming of stagnant water her family is contemplating abandoning animal husbandry altogether and migrating to a larger city Many families affected by the adverse conditions created by the dam are unable to yield sufficient productivity from agriculture and animal husbandry This transition from a nomadic lifestyle to a sedentary one underscores the profound impact of environmental changes particularly the detrimental effects of the dam The family not only faces practical challenges but also grapples with the emotional weight of saying goodbye to a cultural heritage deeply intertwined with the nomadic rhythms of the Tigris River
Disappearance Of Memory
A suburb near the center of Sirnak The Kurdish group which came from different places is trying to keep their old traditions alive They have fun in solidarity with their local clothes and traditional games
Disappearance Of Memory
The village of Tekkale which disappeared beneath the waters of the Yusufeli Dam represents a poignant tale that has left a deep ache in the hearts of a community of 750 people The residents of the village were forced to leave behind a place steeped in history and memories They established new living spaces in higher areas untouched by the dam s waters The minaret of the village mosque which had borne witness to prayers for many years on this land will now be silently remembered as a structure of historical significance
