Project Hasankeyf ARCH 3370 with Christian Hedrick by Ayub Acikgoz, Chad Dennis, and Josh Friedman
Proposal
Hasankeyf The focus of this project
The state project that threatens to flood the site
PROPOSED ITU SATeLLITE CAMPUS
Our site lies in the heart of Hasankeyf, affected by and a testament to the plurality of issues. Directly adjacent to the site are the Old Tigris Bridge, a 12th century structure built by the Abassis and destroyed by invading Mongols in 1260, the Imam Abdullah Turbesi, a 7th century tomb for one of Muhammad’s companions, and the Zeynel Bey Turbesi, an elaborate mausoleum for one of hte area’s Kurdish rules from the late middle ages. Thus, the site has enormous potential as an economic generator for the region, acting as a nexus point for religious pilgrimmages, archaeological research, and even tourism. A lot must be done to achieve these aims though, as Hasankeyf is not a UNESCO world heritage site, and has largely been overlooked by both westerners and Ankara alike, unheard of even in most academic circles. This hidden gem must be saved and has enormous potential The ancient city has survived successive invasions and shown its resilience, and given the opportunity, will do so again, through careful development and stewardship.
(1473 AD)
In spite of the potential energy produced by the dam, flooding would create a reservoir that would cover the whole of Hasankeyf. Residents have slowly been moved to a new site , “New Hasankeyf,” by the Turkish government, but flooding would casue the archaeological sites to be destroyed and many of the Kurdish locals, who have roots in the area going back over a millenia, do not wish to move.
Ilisu Dam
Zeynel Bey Turbesi:
Nearst major city, and the location of an ITU campus
Old Tigris Bridge: (1116 AD)
Currently, Hasankeyf is populated by a predominantly Kurdish population. Following the collapse of the Ottoman Empire, many of the area’s minorities, including Armenians and Assyrian Christians, were persecuted, leaving the Kurds the dominant group. However, the Kurds themselves face challenges now; many of hte historic sites are of Kurdish origin, and the Turkish government has made little effort to protect them. Furthermore, PKK activity in the area durnig the 1980s and 1990s, rocky soils, and government neglect have led to poverty in the region.
Batman
Imam Abdullah Turbesi: (638 AD)
Hasankeyf, a city located in southeastern Turkey, roughly 40 miles south of the city of Batman, has a history dating back thousands of years. Featuring some monuments dating back to 4000 BC, the site is rivaled in antiquity only by such sites as Catal Hoyuk, the famous neo-lithic housing complex, also in Turkey. Due to a network of roughy 4000 cave dwellings, continuously inhabited for the past several millenia, many scholars believe that the site may be the oldest continuously inhabited place on Earth. In addition the city has undergone successive empires and invasions, by civilizations as far ranging and diverse as the Assyrians, Byzantines, and Ottomans. Each successive civilization has left its mark, making Hasankeyf a treaure trove of antiquities.
4000 BC Earliest cave dwellings
1400 BC assyrian occupation
YEAR 0
363 ad Citadel Constructed
638 ad
Undesrstanding the complicated dynamic between the sites constituents, our proposal attempts to mitigate between the immediate threat to the site and the long term aims of the Turkish government. Connsisting of a phasing plan, with short term, mid term, and long term goals, the proposal hinges on the success of each successive phase to move forward. Our proposal is attempting to accomidate for long term benefits, both for the people of Hasankeyf and the international community as a whole. By creating a place for preservation and diologue with the community the further development of the Ilisu dam can become a positive component of the region’s identity.The end goal is to put Hasankeyf on the map as a globally unique place whose significance cannot be overstated. Short Term:
Mid Term:
Long Term:
Development of the archaeological site through a partnership with Istanbul Technical University and other institutions engaged in international conservation efforts Documenting existing monuments and development of plans for further excavations.
Expansion of prior archaeological camp into larger center for local tourism. Generating further interest nationally in the site and pressing for greater recognition of the site’s importance by Turkish officials. Pushing for diversion of Ilisu Dam flood waters and an alternative use.
A Push for UNESCO World Heritage Site designation given the recognized significiance and the implementation of reourposing of the Ilisu dam. Development of facilities for large scale tourism, to Increase funding for development of the vast archeological effort.
WELCOME TO A UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE
Arab Conquest
1116 ad Tigris Bridge Constructed 1260 ad Mongol Conquest
1473 ad Zeynel Bey Turbesi Built 1515 ad Ottoman Conquest 1920 ad Ottoman Empire Falls
HASANKEYF
1993 ad Ilisu Dam Proposed 2017 ad 80% Complete