The Geo-Heritage of The Ilısu Dam Basin: Rock-Cut Dwellings

Authors : Akarcan Güngör

Pages : 107-130

Doi:10.22520/tubaar.1783739

View : 107 | Download : 344

Publication Date : 2025-12-31

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Since ancient times, the Upper Tigris Region—located within the impact area of the Ilısu Dam and Hydroelectric Power Project (HEPP)—has been home to numerous civilizations. Its strategic geopolitical location has fostered cultural interactions, making it a key hub of connectivity between Anatolia, Mesopotamia, and surrounding regions. Undoubtedly, the geological and geomorphological structure of the region, unique topography, and the advantageous optimum climatic conditions were bother significant factors that shaped human preference towards the region throughout history. Especially, the rock properties around the Tigris River Valley resulted in the formation of rock shelters that are suitable for defense and protection, and the rich flint beds, used in tool making, also attracted humans. Such steep and rough topographical reliefs offered highly favorable conditions for shelter and defense, given the security and defense concerns. The rock-cut dwellings, observed especially within the boundaries of Hasankeyf, Gercüş, Merkez districts, and partially in Beşiri district, are similar to the ones in Cappadocia and Ihlara Valley in Central Anatolia; however, their unique features due to a significantly different geological structure emerge in several locations, such as Oymataş, Atlıhan, Çayüstü, Suçeken, İblis Gavur, Zevruney Valleys, Üçyol, İncirli, Palamut, Ögütlü, Irmak, Yeşiloba Village, Upper Karha and Lower Karha. The explorations in approximately 800 of the rock-cut dwellings, which are estimated to be around seven thousand, revealed basically two types of architectural patterns. Which can be defined as rock-cut dwellings with multiple units (hereafter complex rock-cut dwellings) and rock-cut dwellings with a single unit. Furthermore, there exist samples that range from two to four stories in Hasankeyf and Suçeken Village. A large part of the research area is in the flood zone of the recently completed Ilısu Dam on the Tigris River. The fact that the rock-cut dwellings will be flooded strengthens the significance of the present research, which focuses on the documentation of the geocultural heritage.
Keywords : Kaya Konut, Yukarı Dicle Bölgesi, Jeo-Miras, Hasankeyf, Geç Antik Çağ, Ilısu Barajı

ORIGINAL ARTICLE URL