| Southeastern Anatolia Project |
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The Southeastern Anatolia Project ( ( Adıyaman , Batman , Diyarbakır , Gaziantep , Siirt , Şanlıurfa , Mardin , and Şırnak ) which are located in the basins of the Euphrates and Tigris and in Upper Mesopotamia . HISTORY The first idea and decision to utilize the waters of the Euphrates and Tigris rivers belong to Atatürk , the founder of the Republic. In 1920s-1930s, the need for Electrical Energy was a priority issue. The Electricity Studies Administration was founded in 1936 to investigate how rivers in the country could be utilized for energy production. The Administration began its detailed studies with the " Keban Dam Project" and established observation stations to assess the flow and other characteristics of the Euphrates. The GAP as it is structured today, was planned in the 70s consisting of projects for Irrigation and Hydraulic Energy production on the Euphrates and Tigris, but transformed into a multi-sector social and economic development program for the region in the early 80s. The development program encompassed such sectors as irrigation, hydraulic energy, Agriculture , Rural and Urban infrastructure, Forestry , Education and Health . With the development of new GAP Administrative structure in 1988-1989, Its basic objectives included the improvement of Living Standards and income levels of people so as to eliminate regional development disparities ( Economic Inequality ) and contributing to national goals such as Social Stability and Economic Growth by enhancing productivity and employment opportunities in the rural sector. Tensions between Turkey , Syria and Iraq were raised from time to time due to GAP. Syria and Iraq demanded more water to be released, while Turkey declined so as to form the Dam Reservoir s. Because of this GAP is one of the world's most well protected dam projects, especially against aircraft. GAP also almost came to a complete halt in the early 1990's due to the high level of Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) activity in the region. The PKK is not only blamed for a number of funding cuts as funds were diverted to support the Counter-terrorism effort, but is also blamed for damaging several dams and canals, as well as killing engineers working at the dams. A number of economic crises also played a very important part in the delays of GAP. The UN embargo on Iraq (which was lifted after the Second Gulf War ) had negative effects on development efforts and region's trade with Middle Eastern countries, which are its natural economic partners. Furthermore, imbalances in Public Financing delayed the financing needs of the project. Finally, a number of judicial questions needed clearing over the flooding of several historical sites as well as local residences as described in the " Social Effect " section. STRATEGIC GOAL Historically, Southeastern Anatolia was located on the trading route between East and West. The region had been an important source of cultural diversity. However the changes in the trading routes and the agricultural methods ended the old importance of the region. |
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