The Yusufeli Dam and Hydroelectric Power Plant (HEPP) in Artvin, Türkiye, achieved full capacity electricity production after its waters were initially retained in November. Subsequently, the waters were withdrawn, revealing the village of Çeltikdüzü, the last settlement affected by the dam. Çeltikdüzü, among the ten villages partially impacted, saw half of its 164 households submerged. The dam, considered the world’s fifth-highest in the arch dam class, started operating at maximum capacity in January. As the water receded, houses, schools, health centers, and mosques reappeared, prompting locals to revisit the region and reflect on their memories. The dam project, inaugurated by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, faced controversy due to its impact on local communities and ecosystems during its construction phase.
Adem Güngör
Prev
1 of 7
Next