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{{Economy of Turkey}} | |||
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The '''Southeastern Anatolia Project''' ({{langx|tr|'''G'''üneydoğu '''A'''nadolu '''P'''rojesi}}, '''GAP''') is a multi-sector integrated regional development project based on the concept of ] for the 9 million people (2023) living in the ] region of ]. According to the Southeastern Anatolia Project Regional Development Administration, the aim of the GAP is to eliminate regional development disparities by raising incomes and living standards and to contribute to the national development targets of social stability and economic growth by enhancing the productive and employment generating capacity of the rural sector.The Southeastern Anatolia Region extending over wide plains in the Euphrates-Tigris Basin encompass the administrative provinces of ( ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ] and ] )which are located in the basins of the ] and ] and in ]. The surface area of the region bordering with Syria to the south and with Iraq to the southeast is 75,193 square kilometres which corresponds to 9.7% of Turkey’s total surface area.<ref>{{cite web |title=GAP Bölge Kalkınma İdaresi Başkanlığı|url=http://www.gap.gov.tr/en/gap-finance-page-3.html}}</ref> Turkey has in total 8.5 million hectares of irrigable land and GAP’s share in this total is 20 per cent.The total cost of the project is over 190 billion ] (TL) (2020 adjusted price).<ref>{{cite web |title=GAP Bölge Kalkınma İdaresi Başkanlığı|url=http://www.gap.gov.tr/en/gap-finance-page-27.html}}</ref> | |||
|align=center colspan=2|<big>'''Status of the Project as of August ]'''</big> | |||
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Within the scope of GAP, the construction of 22 dams, 19 hydroelectric power plants and irrigation networks is planned. With the completion of GAP, it is envisaged that 1.8 million hectares of land will be opened to irrigation and a large part of the country's energy needs will be met with 27 billion kilowatt-hours of hydroelectric energy production annually. It is aimed to bring the economic and social indicators of the Region to the country average and to increase the welfare level of the people of the Region through investments in agriculture, industry, energy, transportation, education, health, rural and urban infrastructure. It is a regional development project with international brand value, aiming to increase the income level and quality of life of our people living in this region by utilizing resources, eliminating interregional differences and contributing to economic development and social stability targets at the national level. | |||
|bgcolor="#CCCCCC"| | |||
|bgcolor="#CCCCCC"|Completed | |||
|bgcolor="#CCCCCC"|Ongoing | |||
GAP contributes to the country's hydroelectric energy production. As of 2019, 14 hydroelectric power plants (HEPPs) have been completed; A physical realization rate of 91.2% was achieved in GAP energy investments. With the HEPPs put into operation, an annual electricity production capacity of 20.6 billion kilowatt-hours has been created in the Region. From the commissioning of hydroelectric power plants until the end of 2019, 473.3 billion kilowatt-hours of electrical energy were produced, and the monetary value of this energy produced is 28.4 billion dollars (1 kWh = 6 cents). GAP's share in the 88.9 billion kilowatt-hours of hydraulic energy produced throughout the country in 2019 is 25.6% with 22.8 billion kilowatt-hours. | |||
|bgcolor="#CCCCCC"|Planned | |||
Within the scope of GAP, 19 dams have been completed so far. Very important developments have been achieved in irrigation investments, which constitute the main axis of the Southeastern Anatolia Project and are the main condition for the completion of GAP. Within the scope of GAP, dams, which are water storage structures, were initially built and hydroelectric power plants were established. The second step is the construction of main channels that will carry the stored water to irrigation areas, and then irrigation networks that will distribute it to the fields. | |||
During the plan period, the construction of irrigation main channels was carried out; A total of 1,497.1 km of main canals were made ready for service, 1,263.6 km of which were in the 2008-2019 period. At the end of 2019, the area opened to irrigation reached 571,591 hectares; The irrigation target of the plan was achieved by 54%. As of 2019, network construction to irrigate an area of 130,597 ha is ongoing. | |||
The labor force participation rate throughout the region was 34% in 2007, 46.1% in 2019, and the employment rate was 28.3% in 2007 and 35.7% in 2019. | |||
There has been a remarkable increase in the level of exports from the GAP Region in recent years, and the export amount, which was 3.3 billion dollars in 2007, increased to 9.2 billion dollars in 2019; The share of exports from the Region in the country's exports increased from 3.1% to 5.3%. | |||
In the region, there has been an increase in schooling rates at all levels of education and a slight improvement has been achieved in the number of students per classroom. While the number of students per classroom in primary education was 33 in Turkey in the 2007-2008 academic year, it decreased to 24 with an improvement of 9 units as of 2018-2019, and while it was 46 in the GAP Region, it decreased to 30 with an improvement of 16 units. | |||
With the 6 universities established in the GAP Region after 2006, nine provinces also have universities. During the plan period, 2 billion TL was allocated to universities, especially newly established ones, and support was given to the development of their physical and human infrastructure. 10 institutes were established to provide master's and doctoral education. The number of programs and the number of students accepted to the university have increased, and students have had the opportunity to study under more modern conditions. | |||
While there were 96 hospitals and a total of 9,980 beds in the Region in 2007, the number of hospitals increased to 130 and the number of beds increased to 20,541 in 2018. As of these years, the increase in the number of hospitals throughout the country was 20.3% and the increase in the number of beds was 52.5%, while the increase in the GAP Region was 35.4% and 105.8%, respectively. Thus, the number of hospital beds per ten thousand people increased to 23.2. | |||
The transportation infrastructure of the Region, which provides access to other regions, ports, neighboring countries and provinces within the region, and affects economic and social development and trade, has been improved and strengthened in every aspect - with road network, airline and railway investments. All main roads connecting the provinces in the Region have been completed as divided roads, a highway connection has been established and air transportation has been provided to all provinces with 8 airports. | |||
The road network in the GAP Region reached 6,592 km as of the end of 2018. The highway network has reached 294 km and the divided road network has reached 2,386 km. Turkey's largest cargo airport is in Şanlıurfa. New terminal buildings were built in Batman and Adıyaman, Şırnak Şerafettin Elçi Airport was opened in 2013, and Diyarbakır Airport New Terminal Building was opened in 2015.<ref>{{cite web |title=GAP Bölge Kalkınma İdaresi Başkanlığı|url=http://www.gap.gov.tr/gap-ta-son-durum-sayfa-32.html}}</ref> | |||
==History== | |||
] | |||
The initial idea and decision to utilize the waters of the ] and ] rivers came from ], the founder of the Republic. During the ], the need for ] was a priority issue. The ] 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 "] 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 1970s consisting of projects for ] and ] 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, ], ] and ] infrastructure, ], ] and ]. With the development of new GAP Administrative structure in 1988–1989, its basic objectives included the improvement of ] and income levels of people so as to eliminate regional development disparities (]) and contributing to national goals such as social stability and ] by enhancing productivity and employment opportunities in the rural sector.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gap.gov.tr/gap_eng.php?sayfa=English%2FGgbilgi%2Fgtarihce.html|title=Southeastern Anatolia Project Regional Development Administration|date=22 April 2008|access-date=20 October 2017|url-status=bot: unknown|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080422165950/http://www.gap.gov.tr/gap_eng.php?sayfa=English%2FGgbilgi%2Fgtarihce.html|archive-date=22 April 2008}}</ref> | |||
] | |||
Tensions between ], ] and ] were raised from time to time due to GAP. ] and ] demanded more water to be released, while ] declined so as to form the dam ]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 1990s due to the high level of Kurdish (]) activities in the region. The PKK is not only blamed for a number of funding cuts as funds were diverted to support the ] 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 ] embargo on ] (which was lifted after the ]) had negative effects on development efforts and region's trade with ]ern countries, which are its natural economic partners. Furthermore, imbalances in ] 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 "]" 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. | |||
<gallery class="center"> | |||
File:The short cut to india (1909). Harran ovasi farmland.png|Irrigation in Harran | |||
File:The short cut to india (1909). Harran ovasi well.png|Well and a girl | |||
</gallery> | |||
The 1989 Master Plan had aimed to initiate the revitalization of the economic, social and cultural life in the region through an "integrated regional development project". The rise in the income of the region was directly transferred to ] and revitalization of the cultural activities in the region, instead of moving into the national budget. This master plan did not reach its goals because of the issues stated under the introduction section. However, for this negative perspective, with the international community involvement, project added new dimensions and concepts to the definitions. | |||
The concerns and concepts of the ], ] and ], which were either overlooked or totally absent in the original plan has been added with the ] support. The revised "GAP Regional Development Plan" with a new understanding is currently in place. The macro frame of the GAP Regional Development Plan (GAP-RDP) is drawn by 8th Five-Year Development Plan coordinated with the efforts under the "'''Program for Transition to a Strengthened Economy'''" prepared as a part of the process for ] to the ]. | |||
==Social effect== | |||
<!-- Deleted image removed: ] --> | |||
The project rests upon the philosophy of sustainable human development, which aims to create an environment in which future generations can benefit and develop. The basic strategies of the project include fairness in development, participation, environmental protection, jobs creation, spatial planning and infrastructure development. In reaching these goals the primary objective of GAP is to normalize levels of development, income, and living standards between the southeastern region and other regions of Turkey. GAP is transforming the region completely by creating economic and social opportunities and promoting business. Critical infrastructure, such as airports and highways, is being constructed to support the development of the region. GAP will provide jobs to an estimated 3.5 million people directly. | |||
{{clear}} | |||
==Economic development== | |||
===Irrigation=== | |||
GAP is estimated to double Turkey's irrigable farmland. The increase of agricultural activity of GAP in its incomplete state is visible clearly on the USDA graph above. Cotton production increased from 150,000 metric tons to 400,000 metric tons, making the region the top cotton producer. But at the same time other regions declined, which means that Turkey's overall output stayed relatively steady. | |||
<gallery class="center"> | |||
Image:Turkey-cotton-by-region.png|Cotton production | |||
Image:Turkey_cotton_regions.jpg|Cotton regions | |||
Image:Dams-GAP.jpg|Locations of Dams | |||
Image:Ataturk regions-GAP.jpg|Plains irrigated by the tunnels | |||
</gallery> | |||
GAP is supposed to create 17,000 square kilometres (4.2 million acres) of farmland in the ] plain alone, as visible on two USDA maps above. | |||
Reports indicate that, due to irrigation from the ], harvest yields of ], ], ], ]s, and other grains in the ] plain have tripled. A number of Agriculture Department backed initiatives are encouraging farmers to experiment with new varieties of fruits, vegetables, and nuts that did not exist in the region prior. | |||
===Imports and exports=== | |||
The amount of foreign trade of the region is continuously rising since 2002. In 2002, total export from the region was 689 million $ and total imports stood at 773 million $.According to TÜİK data, GAP's total exports are In 2023, total reached 13.657 billion $, while imports reached 9.330 billion $. Since 2004 the G.A.P. region is net exporter.<ref>{{cite web |title=Turkish Statistical Institute (TURKSTAT) - TÜİK|url=https://www.tuik.gov.tr/}}</ref> | |||
===Fishing=== | |||
GAP is being built in a region where water used to be a scarcity. With the vast number of lakes being formed, plans to use them as breeding spaces for commercial ] are also underway. In the case of the ] the fishing industry in the region is already developing. | |||
===Power=== | |||
The GAP also consists of 19 ]s. These will supply the energy equivalent of 22% of the anticipated total nationwide energy consumption in 2010. Providing 8,900 gigawatt hours (32 PJ), it is one of the largest series of hydroelectric power plants in the world. | |||
{| class="wikitable" align="center" | |||
|- | |- | ||
|align=center colspan=4|'''Physical Realization of Energy Projects''' as of October 2024<ref>{{cite web |title=GAP Bölge Kalkınma İdaresi Başkanlığı|url=http://www.gap.gov.tr/upload/dosyalar/pdfler/2023_GAP_SON_DURUM_RAPORU.pdf}}</ref> | |||
|bgcolor="#CACADA" align=right|Power Capacity (MW) | |||
|4,490 | |||
|898 | |||
|1,947 | |||
|- | |- | ||
!Name | |||
|bgcolor="#CACADA" align=right|Energy Production (GWh/yr) | |||
!Inst Capacity (MW) | |||
|16,704 | |||
!Energy Prod (GWh/yr) | |||
|3,286 | |||
!Status | |||
|7,119 | |||
|- | |- | ||
|] | |||
|bgcolor="#CACADA" align=right|Irrigation Area (ha) | |||
|align=center|1,800 | |||
|212,197 | |||
|align=center|7,354 | |||
|159,147 | |||
|In operation since 1987 | |||
|1,428,656 | |||
|- | |- | ||
|] | |||
|bgcolor="#CACADA" align=right|Number of Dams | |||
|align=center|2,400 | |||
|12 | |||
|align=center|8,900 | |||
|2 | |||
|In operation since 1993 | |||
|8 | |||
|- | |- | ||
|] | |||
|bgcolor="#CACADA" align=right|Number of Hydropower Plants | |||
|align=center|189 | |||
|6 | |||
|align=center|652 | |||
|2 | |||
|In operation since 1999 | |||
|10 | |||
|} | |||
|- | |- | ||
|] | |||
|align=center colspan=2| | |||
|align=center|672 | |||
---- | |||
|align=center|2,516 | |||
|In operation since 2000 | |||
|- | |- | ||
|] | |||
|align=center colspan=2|<big>'''Atatürk Dam'''</big> | |||
|align=center|51 | |||
|align=center|124 | |||
|In operation since 2006 | |||
|- | |- | ||
|] | |||
<!--|]--> | |||
|align=center|13 | |||
| align=center colspan=2 |] | |||
|align=center|52 | |||
|In operation since 2010 | |||
|- | |- | ||
|] | |||
| align=center colspan=2 | Landsat7 image of the Atatürk Dam (27 Mar 2000) | |||
|align=center|27 | |||
|align=center|80 | |||
|In operation since 2013 | |||
|- | |- | ||
|] | |||
|align=center colspan=2| | |||
|align=center|39 | |||
---- | |||
|align=center|136 | |||
|Under construction | |||
|- | |- | ||
|] | |||
| align=center colspan=2 | <big>'''Change in ] Plain'''</big> | |||
|align=center|30 | |||
|align=center|84 | |||
|Master Plan | |||
|- | |- | ||
|] | |||
| ] | |||
|align=center|75 | |||
| ] | |||
|align=center|71 | |||
|Master Plan | |||
|- | |- | ||
|] | |||
| align=center | Landsat7 image of pre-Atatürk Dam, Harran (20 Aug 1983) | |||
|align=center|22 | |||
| align=center | Landsat7 image of post-Atatürk Dam, Harran (24 Aug 2002) | |||
|align=center|32 | |||
|Master Plan | |||
|- | |- | ||
|] | |||
| align=center colspan=2 | | |||
|align=center|14 | |||
---- | |||
|align=center|42 | |||
|In operation since 1968 | |||
|- | |- | ||
|] | |||
| align=center colspan=2 | <big>'''Economic Impact'''</big> | |||
|align=center|7 | |||
|align=center|33 | |||
|In operation since 2010 | |||
|- | |- | ||
! Euphrates Basin | |||
| align=center colspan=2 | ] | |||
! 5,339 | |||
! 20,076 | |||
| | |||
|- | |- | ||
|] | |||
| align=center colspan=2 | ] | |||
|align=center|110 | |||
|align=center|298 | |||
|In operation since 1999 | |||
|- | |- | ||
|] | |||
| align=center colspan=2 | ] | |||
|align=center|94 | |||
|align=center|146 | |||
|In operation since 1998 | |||
|- | |||
|] | |||
|align=center|198 | |||
|align=center|483 | |||
|In operation since 2003 | |||
|- | |||
|] | |||
|align=center|52 | |||
|align=center|158 | |||
|In operation since 2013 | |||
|- | |||
|] | |||
|align=center|1,200 | |||
|align=center|3,833 | |||
|In operation since 2020 | |||
|- | |||
|] | |||
|align=center|160 | |||
|align=center|623 | |||
|Under construction | |||
|- | |||
|] | |||
|align=center|240 | |||
|align=center|1,208 | |||
|Under construction | |||
|- | |||
|] | |||
|align=center|90 | |||
|align=center|341 | |||
|Final Project | |||
|- | |||
! Tigris Basin | |||
! 2,144 | |||
! 7,090 | |||
| | |||
|- | |||
! Total | |||
! 7,483 | |||
! 27,166 | |||
| | |||
|} | |} | ||
The '''GAP Project''' (Southeastern Anatolia Project – '''''G'''üneydoğu '''A'''nadolu '''P'''rojesi'') is a ]/] project consisting of a series of 21 dams on the ] and ] rivers. The project is expected to be completed by ] and cost $32 billion USD. | |||
==The Project== | |||
The new irrigation systems created by the GAP will double Turkey's irrigable farmland creating 1.7 million hectares (4.2 million acres) of farmland in the ] plain, which has fertile land but suffers from light rainfall. The project in its incomplete state has already created a significant increase in the agricultural activity. Crop yields of cotton, wheat, barley, lentils and other grains have reportedly tripled in the ] plain as a result of irrigation from the Atatürk Dam alone. As a result, land values, personal income, number of agricultural and personal vehicles have tripled in the past eight years. The range of new products under cultivation is also expanding. Farmers are now experimenting with new varieties of fruits, vegetables, and nuts. | |||
==Infrastructure== | |||
Aside from irrigation, the project's 17 ] power plants will supply energy equivalent to 22% of the anticipated total national energy consumption providing 8.9 billion ]. | |||
== |
===Dams=== | ||
]]] | |||
Atatürk Dam was completed in ]. It is the largest of a series of the 21 dams generating electricity for the region and irrigating the plains between the Euphrates (on which it sits) and the Tigris (to the east), Atatürk Dam is the centerpiece of the GAP project. Satellite pictures of Ataturk Dam Lake taken on ] ] and ] ] show the growth of the newly formed lake — referred to as a "sea" by some locals — covers some 817 km² (320 miles²) in total surface area.) | |||
'''Southeastern Anatolia Project''' consists of 22 Dams (year of completion): | |||
;Euphrates Basin: | |||
#] (1992) | |||
#] (2000) | |||
#] | |||
#] (1998) | |||
#] (2023) | |||
#] | |||
#] (1988) | |||
#] | |||
#] (1987) | |||
#] (1999) | |||
#] (2005) | |||
#] | |||
#] | |||
#] (2013) | |||
; Tigris Basin: | |||
==Social Impact== | |||
#] (1998) | |||
The GAP region consists of eight provinces in Southeastern ]: ], ], ], ], ], ], ] and ]. | |||
#] | |||
#] (1997) | |||
#] (2012) | |||
#] | |||
#] (1997) | |||
#] (2020) | |||
#] | |||
===Maintenance=== | |||
The Southeastern Anatolia Project encompasses more than dams and tunnels. The purpose of the GAP is to eliminate the gap in the levels of development, income and living standards existing between the southeastern region and other regions of ]. The GAP is a fully integrated development project designed to create economic and social opportunities with the full support of the Turkish government. While engineers are busy with the project, ] promotes business development through industrial zones in each of the provincial capitals in the GAP region at a govermental level as well. It is training farmers in the most sustainable and economical land use practices. Airports and highways are being constructed to provide the necessary infrastructure for market development. Schools and other institutions are also being constructed to increase social standards of the six million people already living in the region, and for the people who will migrate to the region when business opportunities have been created. The Government's stated goal is to increase the income level in the region five-fold and generate employment opportunities for 3.5 million people. | |||
The reason for the sheer number of dams in the project, more than would at first appear needed, is maintenance. Dams need to be cleaned from the debris carried with the water flow. After a while the dam becomes obsolete as water flow slows down to inadequate levels. The dams will be shut down every 5 to 10 years for ''fall maintenance'' (also called fall cleanup). Water levels are normally lowest in fall. The extra dams are placed in service during this maintenance period. | |||
In cases of natural disasters such as floods, the maintenance may be performed earlier. The plan is to have one or two dams spare in case an emergency shutdown of any dam is necessary. While shutting down a dam also shuts down irrigation channels linked to it, it can nevertheless continue providing power. | |||
==Engineering behind the project== | |||
{{clear}} | |||
{| style="border: 0px" align left | |||
| | |||
===Engineering behind the project=== | |||
] | |||
]]] | |||
Providing electricity and irrigation is challenging in a region as large as the one targetted by the GAP project. A constant flow of water is imperative. | |||
Providing electricity and irrigation is challenging in a region as large as the one targeted by GAP. A constant flow of water is imperative. | |||
<br clear="all"/> | |||
{{clear}} | |||
] | |||
] | |||
Once a constant rate of flow is available, the water can be diverted to flow through turbines to create ], which can be pumped to cities across considerable distances. The Energy dissipitator (left) is the water flowing off of the turbines which are not visible but are embedded in concrete. However electricity is only part of the usage of the tons of water collected at the dam. | |||
After a large body of water is collected behind the dam a constant flow of water is then available. The height of the dam allows the water to go at a high velocity through the turbines thus generating electricity. After the fast flowing water exits the dam it is slowed down by a concrete ''energy dissipator'' (pictured). Creation of electricity is only part of the usage of the tons of water collected at the dam. | |||
<br clear="all"/> | |||
{{clear}} | |||
] | |||
When dealing with tons of water, it has to be distributed evenly and slowly. Occasionally main canals will need maintenance, or may be damaged due to external reasons. In order to even asses the problem, tons of water need to be removed from the main canal. The best way to do this is to slow the overal flow from the main dam and redirect all water flowing originally to the damaged canal to backup canals, Radial gates serve this purpose: they regulate the flow of water. | |||
]s]] | |||
<br clear="all"/> | |||
When dealing with tons of water, it has to be distributed evenly and slowly. Occasionally main channels will need maintenance, or may be damaged due to external reasons. In order to even assess the problem, tons of water need to be removed from the main channel. The best way to do this is to slow the overall flow from the main dam and redirect all water flowing originally through the damaged channel to backup channels. Radial gates serve this purpose, they regulate the flow of water. It is imperative to keep water flowing. Lack of the flow will not only compromise all irrigation linked to that channel but also all cities linked will experience a power outage. | |||
] | |||
{{clear}} | |||
After leaving the energy dissipitator, water flows into a set of main canals, which flow in different directions supplying water to a greater area. They are the most critical part of a dam project aside from the dam itself. This is like the high-voltage transmission lines in a power grids. | |||
<br clear="all"/> | |||
] | ] | ||
After leaving the energy dissipator, water flows into a set of main channels, which flow in different directions supplying water to a greater area. They are the most critical part of a dam project aside from the dam itself. This is as critical as high-voltage transmission lines in power grids. | |||
Sluice gates regulate the flow of water. If water flows too fast it will either overflow and probably damage one of the canals or flood irrigation fields. Multiple sluice gates regulate the speed of the flow on different sections of the canal. They can also be used like radial gates to cut water in canals. | |||
{{clear}} | |||
After leaving the radial gates on the main canals, water flows to regular canals which are smaller and can carry less water. Flow regulators divert water on canals to distribution canals. Just like radial gates and sluice gates, flow generators can stop water flow if necessary. Distribution canals are the last step as far as engineers are concerned. It delivers water to different secions of large fields, like a pipeline. | |||
] | ] | ||
''] gates'' regulate the flow of water. If water flows too fast it will overflow and probably damage one or more of the channels, or flood irrigation fields. Multiple sluice gates regulate the speed of the flow on different sections of the channel. They can also be used like radial gates to cut water in channels. | |||
] | |||
{{clear}} | |||
] | |||
<br clear="all"/> | |||
<gallery class="center"> | |||
Image:Harran canal-GAP.jpg|Harran canal | |||
Image:Flow regulator-GAP.jpg|Flow regulator | |||
Image:Distribution canals-GAP.jpg|Distribution canals | |||
</gallery> | |||
After leaving the radial gates on the main channel, water flows to canals which are smaller and can carry less water. Flow regulators divert water on canals to distribution canals. Just like radial gates and sluice gates, flow generators can stop water flow if necessary. Distribution canals are the last step as far as engineers are concerned. It delivers water to different sections of large fields, pretty much an artificial river. | |||
<gallery class="center"> | |||
Image:Earth distribution channel-GAP.jpg|Earth distribution channel | |||
Image:Furrow-GAP.jpg|Furrow | |||
Image:Drip tubes-GAP.jpg|Drip tubes | |||
</gallery> | |||
It is up to farmers to get the water from distribution channels to their crops for ]. There are different methods to do this; any one or a combination of earth distribution channel, furrow, and ] can be used. | It is up to farmers to get the water from distribution channels to their crops for ]. There are different methods to do this; any one or a combination of earth distribution channel, furrow, and ] can be used. | ||
]]] | |||
<br clear="all"/> | |||
== |
==Sub-projects== | ||
The latest design of the project divides the GAP into smaller projects. Each project generates its own annual reports and activity sheets. | |||
] | |||
] | |||
* Management, Operation and Maintenance of GAP Irrigation Systems (GAP-MOM), | |||
] | |||
* Regulation of Water in Irrigation Canals and Methods and Technologies for Water Saving, | |||
* Treatment of Urban Waste Water, | |||
* Re-use of Irrigation Discharge Water, | |||
* Protection of Biological Diversity, | |||
* Environmental Work in the GAP Region, | |||
* Environmental Work in the GAP Region — Tigris Basin, | |||
* Assessment of Climatic Conditions in the Region for Present Day and Future, | |||
* Adıyaman-Kuyulu Region Erosion Control Project, | |||
* Adıyaman-Diran Micro-Catchment Rehabilitation Project, | |||
* GAP Afforestation Project, | |||
* Participation in urban planning and zoning, | |||
* Resettlement and employment of people affected by dam lakes, | |||
* Atatürk Dam Lake Sub-Regional Development Plan, | |||
* Eco-city and eco-village planning and development in pilot localities. | |||
* Establishment of Multi-Purpose Community Centers (ÇATOM) for Women, | |||
* Improving the Income Level of People in Non-Irrigated Areas, | |||
* GAP Entrepreneur Support and Guidance Centers (GAP-GIDEM), | |||
* Project for On-Contract Animal Husbandry (GAP Rings Model), | |||
* Project for Joint Machinery Use (GAP OMAK), | |||
* Sub-Regional Development Plan Comprising Return to Villages and Rehabilitation, | |||
* Project for the Rehabilitation of Children Working in Streets. | |||
* Institutional Capacity Building, | |||
* Training and Extension Services for Farmers, | |||
* Land Consolidation, | |||
* Social Progress for Youth, | |||
* GAP Region Public Health Project. | |||
==Status of GAP== | |||
The water resources development component of the program envisages the construction of 22 dams and 19 hydraulic power plants and irrigation of 17,000 square kilometres of land. The total cost of the project is estimated at $32 billion ]. The total installed capacity of ] is 7483 MW and projected annual energy production reaches 27 billion kWh.<ref>{{cite web |title=GAP'ta Son Durum 2023 |url=http://www.gap.gov.tr/upload/dosyalar/pdfler/2023_GAP_SON_DURUM_RAPORU.pdf}}</ref> | |||
{| class="wikitable" align="center" | |||
|- | |||
|align=center colspan=4|'''Status of the project''' | |||
|- | |||
| | |||
!Completed | |||
!Ongoing | |||
!Planned | |||
|- | |||
|align=right|Power capacity as of December 2023<br>MW | |||
|align=center|6,827 | |||
|align=center|160 | |||
|align=center|496 | |||
|- | |||
|align=right|Power production as of December 2023<br>GWh/yr | |||
|align=center| 24,671 | |||
|align=center| 623 | |||
|align=center| 1,872 | |||
|- | |||
|align=right|Irrigation area as of December 2023<br>km<sup>2</sup> | |||
|align=center|663,919 | |||
|align=center|94,701 | |||
|align=center|299,183 | |||
|- | |||
|align=right|Number of dams | |||
|align=center|13 | |||
|align=center|5 | |||
|align=center|4 | |||
|- | |||
|align=right|Number of hydropower plants | |||
|align=center|14 | |||
|align=center|1 | |||
|align=center|6 | |||
|} | |||
GAP contributes to the country's hydroelectric energy production. As of 2023, 91.2% physical realization of energy investments was achieved.The amount of government investment for 2023 was around 84 billion TL, which corresponds to 18.6% of ]'s total investment for same year.<ref>{{cite web |title=Finansman Tablosu|url=http://www.gap.gov.tr/upload/dosyalar/pdfler/icerik/Finansman_Tablosu.pdf}}</ref> | |||
==Criticism of the project== | |||
===Ilısu Dam=== | |||
Completion of the ] would cause the flooding of the ancient city of ] whose history stretches back over 10,000 years. Between 50 and 68 hamlets and villages will be flooded affecting approximately 25,000 local people. An additional 57 villages will have their land partially flooded. | |||
Construction began on August 5, 2006, after a ceremony led by Prime Minister ]. The dam entered into service in 2018. | |||
===Archaeological losses=== | |||
Critics of the project say that the dam could effectively destroy the artifacts of ancient Kurdish, Armenian, and Assyrian habitation in the region.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.academia.edu/255082 | title=Water and Conflict Geographies of the Southeastern Anatolia Project | publisher=academia.edu | date=2002 | access-date=June 28, 2014 | author=Harris, Leila}}</ref> | |||
===Environmental justice concerns=== | |||
The ] lense of the Human-environment geography allows us to explore the fair distribution of environmental benefits and burdens, especially with regard to vulnerable communities.In context of the ] environmental justice focuses attention on the fair treatment of different social groups and the potentially disproportionate impact of these projects on specific communities. This perspective highlights the ethical dimension of environmental decision-making and emphasises the need for fairness and social equity in the distribution of environmental goods and damage <ref>https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00221341.2014.953978 (Bjelland, 2015)</ref> | |||
Environmental justice, for example, would highlight how dam construction can disproportionately affect certain communities, perhaps leading to the displacement of indigenous or economically disadvantaged groups. (As occurred recently in Hasankeyf) It prompts us to ask whether the benefits of hydropower and economic development are distributed fairly to all communities or whether certain groups are hit hardest by the negative impacts, such as loss of land, cultural heritage or livelihoods. By looking at environmental justice, we can assess whether the decision-making processes surrounding dam construction adhere to the principles of justice and fairness and ensure that burdens and benefits are distributed fairly across different social groups.<ref>https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00221341.2014.953978 (Bjelland, 2015)</ref> | |||
==TRT GAP== | |||
{{unreferenced section|date=June 2009}} | |||
{{Infobox television channel | |||
| name = TRT GAP | |||
| logo = TRT GAP logo.svg | |||
| logo_size = 250px | |||
| logo_alt = | |||
| launch_date = {{Start date and age|1989|10|2|df=y}} | |||
| closed_date = {{End date and age|2015|2|17|df=y}} | |||
| picture_format = ] (] ]) | |||
| owner = ] | |||
| affiliates = ] | |||
| country = ] | |||
| language = ] | |||
| area = ] | |||
| headquarters = ] | |||
| former_names = | |||
| replaced = | |||
| sister_channels = | |||
| timeshift_service = ] | |||
| website = http://www.trt.net.tr/ | |||
}} | |||
TRT GAP, belonging to the ], was established in 1989 to promote the Southeastern Anatolia Project in the region. From 1989 to 2001 TRT GAP was broadcasting on ] before being revamped as a 24-hour news and culturally-oriented channel. TRT GAP's transmissions are realized through the same channel with the ] since 2001 (which broadcasts live footage of ]) on a time-share basis. | |||
==See also== | |||
* ] | |||
* ] | |||
* ] | |||
==External links== | |||
* in English | |||
* in Turkish | |||
* , ] | |||
* Introduction ] | |||
* Project Background and Description ] | |||
* | |||
* - a thesis by Yilmaz, Mustafa, M.A. | |||
*<br> {{in lang|tr}} | |||
* | |||
* | |||
* {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081205015629/http://www.lyngsat-address.com/tt/TRT-Gap.html |date=2008-12-05 }} | |||
==References== | |||
<references /> | |||
{{Authority control}} | |||
{{Southeastern Anatolia Project}} | |||
{{Turkey topics}} | |||
{{Fifty civil engineering feats in Turkey}} | |||
{{coord missing|Turkey}} | |||
] | |||
] | |||
] | |||
] | |||
] | |||
] | |||
] | |||
] | |||
] | |||
] | |||
] | |||
] | |||
] |
Latest revision as of 20:02, 5 January 2025
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The Southeastern Anatolia Project (Turkish: Güneydoğu Anadolu Projesi, GAP) is a multi-sector integrated regional development project based on the concept of sustainable development for the 9 million people (2023) living in the Southeastern Anatolia region of Turkey. According to the Southeastern Anatolia Project Regional Development Administration, the aim of the GAP is to eliminate regional development disparities by raising incomes and living standards and to contribute to the national development targets of social stability and economic growth by enhancing the productive and employment generating capacity of the rural sector.The Southeastern Anatolia Region extending over wide plains in the Euphrates-Tigris Basin encompass the administrative provinces of ( Adıyaman, Batman, Diyarbakır, Gaziantep, Kilis, Siirt, Şanlıurfa, Şırnak and Mardin )which are located in the basins of the Euphrates and Tigris and in Upper Mesopotamia. The surface area of the region bordering with Syria to the south and with Iraq to the southeast is 75,193 square kilometres which corresponds to 9.7% of Turkey’s total surface area. Turkey has in total 8.5 million hectares of irrigable land and GAP’s share in this total is 20 per cent.The total cost of the project is over 190 billion Turkish lira (TL) (2020 adjusted price).
Within the scope of GAP, the construction of 22 dams, 19 hydroelectric power plants and irrigation networks is planned. With the completion of GAP, it is envisaged that 1.8 million hectares of land will be opened to irrigation and a large part of the country's energy needs will be met with 27 billion kilowatt-hours of hydroelectric energy production annually. It is aimed to bring the economic and social indicators of the Region to the country average and to increase the welfare level of the people of the Region through investments in agriculture, industry, energy, transportation, education, health, rural and urban infrastructure. It is a regional development project with international brand value, aiming to increase the income level and quality of life of our people living in this region by utilizing resources, eliminating interregional differences and contributing to economic development and social stability targets at the national level.
GAP contributes to the country's hydroelectric energy production. As of 2019, 14 hydroelectric power plants (HEPPs) have been completed; A physical realization rate of 91.2% was achieved in GAP energy investments. With the HEPPs put into operation, an annual electricity production capacity of 20.6 billion kilowatt-hours has been created in the Region. From the commissioning of hydroelectric power plants until the end of 2019, 473.3 billion kilowatt-hours of electrical energy were produced, and the monetary value of this energy produced is 28.4 billion dollars (1 kWh = 6 cents). GAP's share in the 88.9 billion kilowatt-hours of hydraulic energy produced throughout the country in 2019 is 25.6% with 22.8 billion kilowatt-hours.
Within the scope of GAP, 19 dams have been completed so far. Very important developments have been achieved in irrigation investments, which constitute the main axis of the Southeastern Anatolia Project and are the main condition for the completion of GAP. Within the scope of GAP, dams, which are water storage structures, were initially built and hydroelectric power plants were established. The second step is the construction of main channels that will carry the stored water to irrigation areas, and then irrigation networks that will distribute it to the fields.
During the plan period, the construction of irrigation main channels was carried out; A total of 1,497.1 km of main canals were made ready for service, 1,263.6 km of which were in the 2008-2019 period. At the end of 2019, the area opened to irrigation reached 571,591 hectares; The irrigation target of the plan was achieved by 54%. As of 2019, network construction to irrigate an area of 130,597 ha is ongoing.
The labor force participation rate throughout the region was 34% in 2007, 46.1% in 2019, and the employment rate was 28.3% in 2007 and 35.7% in 2019.
There has been a remarkable increase in the level of exports from the GAP Region in recent years, and the export amount, which was 3.3 billion dollars in 2007, increased to 9.2 billion dollars in 2019; The share of exports from the Region in the country's exports increased from 3.1% to 5.3%.
In the region, there has been an increase in schooling rates at all levels of education and a slight improvement has been achieved in the number of students per classroom. While the number of students per classroom in primary education was 33 in Turkey in the 2007-2008 academic year, it decreased to 24 with an improvement of 9 units as of 2018-2019, and while it was 46 in the GAP Region, it decreased to 30 with an improvement of 16 units.
With the 6 universities established in the GAP Region after 2006, nine provinces also have universities. During the plan period, 2 billion TL was allocated to universities, especially newly established ones, and support was given to the development of their physical and human infrastructure. 10 institutes were established to provide master's and doctoral education. The number of programs and the number of students accepted to the university have increased, and students have had the opportunity to study under more modern conditions.
While there were 96 hospitals and a total of 9,980 beds in the Region in 2007, the number of hospitals increased to 130 and the number of beds increased to 20,541 in 2018. As of these years, the increase in the number of hospitals throughout the country was 20.3% and the increase in the number of beds was 52.5%, while the increase in the GAP Region was 35.4% and 105.8%, respectively. Thus, the number of hospital beds per ten thousand people increased to 23.2.
The transportation infrastructure of the Region, which provides access to other regions, ports, neighboring countries and provinces within the region, and affects economic and social development and trade, has been improved and strengthened in every aspect - with road network, airline and railway investments. All main roads connecting the provinces in the Region have been completed as divided roads, a highway connection has been established and air transportation has been provided to all provinces with 8 airports.
The road network in the GAP Region reached 6,592 km as of the end of 2018. The highway network has reached 294 km and the divided road network has reached 2,386 km. Turkey's largest cargo airport is in Şanlıurfa. New terminal buildings were built in Batman and Adıyaman, Şırnak Şerafettin Elçi Airport was opened in 2013, and Diyarbakır Airport New Terminal Building was opened in 2015.
History
The initial idea and decision to utilize the waters of the Euphrates and Tigris rivers came from Atatürk, the founder of the Republic. During the one party era, 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 1970s 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 reservoirs. 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 1990s due to the high level of Kurdish (PKK) activities 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.
The 1989 Master Plan had aimed to initiate the revitalization of the economic, social and cultural life in the region through an "integrated regional development project". The rise in the income of the region was directly transferred to restoration and revitalization of the cultural activities in the region, instead of moving into the national budget. This master plan did not reach its goals because of the issues stated under the introduction section. However, for this negative perspective, with the international community involvement, project added new dimensions and concepts to the definitions.
The concerns and concepts of the environment, sustainability and participation, which were either overlooked or totally absent in the original plan has been added with the UNDP support. The revised "GAP Regional Development Plan" with a new understanding is currently in place. The macro frame of the GAP Regional Development Plan (GAP-RDP) is drawn by 8th Five-Year Development Plan coordinated with the efforts under the "Program for Transition to a Strengthened Economy" prepared as a part of the process for Turkey's accession to the European Union.
Social effect
The project rests upon the philosophy of sustainable human development, which aims to create an environment in which future generations can benefit and develop. The basic strategies of the project include fairness in development, participation, environmental protection, jobs creation, spatial planning and infrastructure development. In reaching these goals the primary objective of GAP is to normalize levels of development, income, and living standards between the southeastern region and other regions of Turkey. GAP is transforming the region completely by creating economic and social opportunities and promoting business. Critical infrastructure, such as airports and highways, is being constructed to support the development of the region. GAP will provide jobs to an estimated 3.5 million people directly.
Economic development
Irrigation
GAP is estimated to double Turkey's irrigable farmland. The increase of agricultural activity of GAP in its incomplete state is visible clearly on the USDA graph above. Cotton production increased from 150,000 metric tons to 400,000 metric tons, making the region the top cotton producer. But at the same time other regions declined, which means that Turkey's overall output stayed relatively steady.
GAP is supposed to create 17,000 square kilometres (4.2 million acres) of farmland in the Harran plain alone, as visible on two USDA maps above.
Reports indicate that, due to irrigation from the Atatürk Dam, harvest yields of cotton, wheat, barley, lentils, and other grains in the Harran plain have tripled. A number of Agriculture Department backed initiatives are encouraging farmers to experiment with new varieties of fruits, vegetables, and nuts that did not exist in the region prior.
Imports and exports
The amount of foreign trade of the region is continuously rising since 2002. In 2002, total export from the region was 689 million $ and total imports stood at 773 million $.According to TÜİK data, GAP's total exports are In 2023, total reached 13.657 billion $, while imports reached 9.330 billion $. Since 2004 the G.A.P. region is net exporter.
Fishing
GAP is being built in a region where water used to be a scarcity. With the vast number of lakes being formed, plans to use them as breeding spaces for commercial fishing are also underway. In the case of the Atatürk Dam the fishing industry in the region is already developing.
Power
The GAP also consists of 19 hydroelectric power plants. These will supply the energy equivalent of 22% of the anticipated total nationwide energy consumption in 2010. Providing 8,900 gigawatt hours (32 PJ), it is one of the largest series of hydroelectric power plants in the world.
Physical Realization of Energy Projects as of October 2024 | |||
Name | Inst Capacity (MW) | Energy Prod (GWh/yr) | Status |
---|---|---|---|
Karakaya Dam & HEPP | 1,800 | 7,354 | In operation since 1987 |
Atatürk Dam & HEPP | 2,400 | 8,900 | In operation since 1993 |
Karkamış Dam & HEPP | 189 | 652 | In operation since 1999 |
Birecik Dam & HEPP | 672 | 2,516 | In operation since 2000 |
Şanlıurfa HEPP | 51 | 124 | In operation since 2006 |
Erkenek HEPP | 13 | 52 | In operation since 2010 |
Sırımtaş Dam & HEPP | 27 | 80 | In operation since 2013 |
Koçali Dam & HEPP | 39 | 136 | Under construction |
Büyükçay Dam & HEPP | 30 | 84 | Master Plan |
Kahta Dam & HEPP | 75 | 71 | Master Plan |
Fatopaşa HEPP | 22 | 32 | Master Plan |
Çağçağ HEPP | 14 | 42 | In operation since 1968 |
Bulam HEPP | 7 | 33 | In operation since 2010 |
Euphrates Basin | 5,339 | 20,076 | |
Dicle Dam & HEPP | 110 | 298 | In operation since 1999 |
Kralkızı Dam & HEPP | 94 | 146 | In operation since 1998 |
Batman Dam & HEPP | 198 | 483 | In operation since 2003 |
Garzan Dam & HEPP | 52 | 158 | In operation since 2013 |
Ilısu Dam & HEPP | 1,200 | 3,833 | In operation since 2020 |
Silvan Dam & HEPP | 160 | 623 | Under construction |
Cizre Dam & HEPP | 240 | 1,208 | Under construction |
Kayser Dam & HEPP | 90 | 341 | Final Project |
Tigris Basin | 2,144 | 7,090 | |
Total | 7,483 | 27,166 |
Infrastructure
Dams
Southeastern Anatolia Project consists of 22 Dams (year of completion):
- Euphrates Basin
- Atatürk Dam (1992)
- Birecik Dam (2000)
- Büyükçay Dam
- Çamgazi Dam (1998)
- Çetintepe Dam (2023)
- Gömikan Dam
- Hancağız Dam (1988)
- Kahta Dam
- Karakaya Dam (1987)
- Karkamış Dam (1999)
- Kayacık Dam (2005)
- Kemlin Dam
- Koçali Dam
- Sırımtaş Dam (2013)
- Tigris Basin
- Batman Dam (1998)
- Cizre Dam
- Dicle Dam (1997)
- Garzan Dam (2012)
- Kayser Dam
- Kralkızı Dam (1997)
- Ilısu Dam (2020)
- Silvan Dam
Maintenance
The reason for the sheer number of dams in the project, more than would at first appear needed, is maintenance. Dams need to be cleaned from the debris carried with the water flow. After a while the dam becomes obsolete as water flow slows down to inadequate levels. The dams will be shut down every 5 to 10 years for fall maintenance (also called fall cleanup). Water levels are normally lowest in fall. The extra dams are placed in service during this maintenance period.
In cases of natural disasters such as floods, the maintenance may be performed earlier. The plan is to have one or two dams spare in case an emergency shutdown of any dam is necessary. While shutting down a dam also shuts down irrigation channels linked to it, it can nevertheless continue providing power.
Engineering behind the project
Providing electricity and irrigation is challenging in a region as large as the one targeted by GAP. A constant flow of water is imperative.
After a large body of water is collected behind the dam a constant flow of water is then available. The height of the dam allows the water to go at a high velocity through the turbines thus generating electricity. After the fast flowing water exits the dam it is slowed down by a concrete energy dissipator (pictured). Creation of electricity is only part of the usage of the tons of water collected at the dam.
When dealing with tons of water, it has to be distributed evenly and slowly. Occasionally main channels will need maintenance, or may be damaged due to external reasons. In order to even assess the problem, tons of water need to be removed from the main channel. The best way to do this is to slow the overall flow from the main dam and redirect all water flowing originally through the damaged channel to backup channels. Radial gates serve this purpose, they regulate the flow of water. It is imperative to keep water flowing. Lack of the flow will not only compromise all irrigation linked to that channel but also all cities linked will experience a power outage.
After leaving the energy dissipator, water flows into a set of main channels, which flow in different directions supplying water to a greater area. They are the most critical part of a dam project aside from the dam itself. This is as critical as high-voltage transmission lines in power grids.
Sluice gates regulate the flow of water. If water flows too fast it will overflow and probably damage one or more of the channels, or flood irrigation fields. Multiple sluice gates regulate the speed of the flow on different sections of the channel. They can also be used like radial gates to cut water in channels.
After leaving the radial gates on the main channel, water flows to canals which are smaller and can carry less water. Flow regulators divert water on canals to distribution canals. Just like radial gates and sluice gates, flow generators can stop water flow if necessary. Distribution canals are the last step as far as engineers are concerned. It delivers water to different sections of large fields, pretty much an artificial river.
It is up to farmers to get the water from distribution channels to their crops for irrigation. There are different methods to do this; any one or a combination of earth distribution channel, furrow, and drip tubes can be used.
Sub-projects
The latest design of the project divides the GAP into smaller projects. Each project generates its own annual reports and activity sheets.
- Management, Operation and Maintenance of GAP Irrigation Systems (GAP-MOM),
- Regulation of Water in Irrigation Canals and Methods and Technologies for Water Saving,
- Treatment of Urban Waste Water,
- Re-use of Irrigation Discharge Water,
- Protection of Biological Diversity,
- Environmental Work in the GAP Region,
- Environmental Work in the GAP Region — Tigris Basin,
- Assessment of Climatic Conditions in the Region for Present Day and Future,
- Adıyaman-Kuyulu Region Erosion Control Project,
- Adıyaman-Diran Micro-Catchment Rehabilitation Project,
- GAP Afforestation Project,
- Participation in urban planning and zoning,
- Resettlement and employment of people affected by dam lakes,
- Atatürk Dam Lake Sub-Regional Development Plan,
- Eco-city and eco-village planning and development in pilot localities.
- Establishment of Multi-Purpose Community Centers (ÇATOM) for Women,
- Improving the Income Level of People in Non-Irrigated Areas,
- GAP Entrepreneur Support and Guidance Centers (GAP-GIDEM),
- Project for On-Contract Animal Husbandry (GAP Rings Model),
- Project for Joint Machinery Use (GAP OMAK),
- Sub-Regional Development Plan Comprising Return to Villages and Rehabilitation,
- Project for the Rehabilitation of Children Working in Streets.
- Institutional Capacity Building,
- Training and Extension Services for Farmers,
- Land Consolidation,
- Social Progress for Youth,
- GAP Region Public Health Project.
Status of GAP
The water resources development component of the program envisages the construction of 22 dams and 19 hydraulic power plants and irrigation of 17,000 square kilometres of land. The total cost of the project is estimated at $32 billion USD. The total installed capacity of power plants is 7483 MW and projected annual energy production reaches 27 billion kWh.
Status of the project | |||
Completed | Ongoing | Planned | |
---|---|---|---|
Power capacity as of December 2023 MW |
6,827 | 160 | 496 |
Power production as of December 2023 GWh/yr |
24,671 | 623 | 1,872 |
Irrigation area as of December 2023 km |
663,919 | 94,701 | 299,183 |
Number of dams | 13 | 5 | 4 |
Number of hydropower plants | 14 | 1 | 6 |
GAP contributes to the country's hydroelectric energy production. As of 2023, 91.2% physical realization of energy investments was achieved.The amount of government investment for 2023 was around 84 billion TL, which corresponds to 18.6% of Turkey's total investment for same year.
Criticism of the project
Ilısu Dam
Completion of the Ilısu Dam would cause the flooding of the ancient city of Hasankeyf whose history stretches back over 10,000 years. Between 50 and 68 hamlets and villages will be flooded affecting approximately 25,000 local people. An additional 57 villages will have their land partially flooded.
Construction began on August 5, 2006, after a ceremony led by Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. The dam entered into service in 2018.
Archaeological losses
Critics of the project say that the dam could effectively destroy the artifacts of ancient Kurdish, Armenian, and Assyrian habitation in the region.
Environmental justice concerns
The environmental justice lense of the Human-environment geography allows us to explore the fair distribution of environmental benefits and burdens, especially with regard to vulnerable communities.In context of the Ilisu Dam environmental justice focuses attention on the fair treatment of different social groups and the potentially disproportionate impact of these projects on specific communities. This perspective highlights the ethical dimension of environmental decision-making and emphasises the need for fairness and social equity in the distribution of environmental goods and damage
Environmental justice, for example, would highlight how dam construction can disproportionately affect certain communities, perhaps leading to the displacement of indigenous or economically disadvantaged groups. (As occurred recently in Hasankeyf) It prompts us to ask whether the benefits of hydropower and economic development are distributed fairly to all communities or whether certain groups are hit hardest by the negative impacts, such as loss of land, cultural heritage or livelihoods. By looking at environmental justice, we can assess whether the decision-making processes surrounding dam construction adhere to the principles of justice and fairness and ensure that burdens and benefits are distributed fairly across different social groups.
TRT GAP
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Country | Turkey |
---|---|
Broadcast area | Turkey |
Affiliates | Radyo GAP |
Headquarters | Ankara |
Programming | |
Language(s) | Turkish |
Picture format | 576i (4:3 SDTV) |
Timeshift service | TRT 3 |
Ownership | |
Owner | Turkish Radio and Television Corporation |
History | |
Launched | 2 October 1989; 35 years ago (1989-10-02) |
Closed | 17 February 2015; 9 years ago (2015-02-17) |
Links | |
Website | http://www.trt.net.tr/ |
TRT GAP, belonging to the Turkish Radio and Television Corporation, was established in 1989 to promote the Southeastern Anatolia Project in the region. From 1989 to 2001 TRT GAP was broadcasting on TRT 2 before being revamped as a 24-hour news and culturally-oriented channel. TRT GAP's transmissions are realized through the same channel with the TRT 3 since 2001 (which broadcasts live footage of TBMM TV) on a time-share basis.
See also
External links
- Official GAP website in English
- Official GAP website in Turkish
- Southeastern Anatolia Project, USDA
- Environmental Impact Assessment Report Introduction PDF
- Environmental Impact Assessment Report Project Background and Description PDF
- Re-Emergence of Discredited Ilısu Dam Project
- The effects and impacts of the Southeastern Anatolian Development project - a thesis by Yilmaz, Mustafa, M.A.
- TRT's Official Website
(in Turkish) - TRT Gap Broadcasting Schedule
- Watch TRT GAP/TRT 3 live Online
- TRT GAP at LyngSat Address Archived 2008-12-05 at the Wayback Machine
References
- "GAP Bölge Kalkınma İdaresi Başkanlığı".
- "GAP Bölge Kalkınma İdaresi Başkanlığı".
- "GAP Bölge Kalkınma İdaresi Başkanlığı".
- "Southeastern Anatolia Project Regional Development Administration". 22 April 2008. Archived from the original on 22 April 2008. Retrieved 20 October 2017.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link) - "Turkish Statistical Institute (TURKSTAT) - TÜİK".
- "GAP Bölge Kalkınma İdaresi Başkanlığı" (PDF).
- "GAP'ta Son Durum 2023" (PDF).
- "Finansman Tablosu" (PDF).
- Harris, Leila (2002). "Water and Conflict Geographies of the Southeastern Anatolia Project". academia.edu. Retrieved June 28, 2014.
- https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00221341.2014.953978 (Bjelland, 2015)
- https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00221341.2014.953978 (Bjelland, 2015)
Dams of the Southeastern Anatolia Project (GAP) | ||
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Euphrates Basin | ||
Tigris Basin | ||
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Categories:
- Southeastern Anatolia Project
- Water supply and sanitation in Turkey
- Planned developments
- History of the Tigris–Euphrates river system
- Dams in Turkey
- Irrigation in Turkey
- Irrigation projects
- Hydroelectricity in Turkey
- Reservoirs in Turkey
- Turkish Kurdistan
- Southeastern Anatolia region
- Upper Mesopotamia
- Economic history of Turkey