PodcastAs water level of Ilısu Dam rises, last residents move out of ancient Hasankeyf
The last residents who remained in the historic district of Hasankeyf of the southeastern city of Batman moved out due to the water rising in Dicle River, where it's contained by Ilısu Dam. One of the world's oldest settlements, the 12,000-year-old ancient settlement will be submerged entirely by the dam by April. The 40 or so residents that had remained were left without water and electricity. Hasankeyf Mayor Abdulvahap Kusen said that locals were settled into the 855 new residences built in the 'new Hasankeyf.'
Duvar English
The last residents at the historic Hasankeyf district in the southeastern city of Batman left their homes on the first day of 2020. The water level of the nearby Ilısu Dam rose to the level of Hasankeyf's neighboring caves, forcing residents to move out.
Almost 50 residents who had remained in Hasankeyf district until yesterday, were left without water and electricity for some time.
Hasankeyf Mayor Abdulvahap Kusen said that the last locals were transferred and settled into the new homes built in the 'new Hasankeyf.'
One of the world's oldest settlements, Hasankeyf is thought to date back as far as 12 thousand years.
Ilısu Dam is expected to submerge the entire ancient village by April.