Support Wanes for Turkey's Controversial Dam

A massive dam project in Turkey that would flood historic areas and displace 50,000 people is losing international support, as officials in Germany threaten to pull out of the project -- often called a smaller version of China's Three Gorges Dam.

1 minute read

April 20, 2008, 5:00 AM PDT

By Nate Berg


"The German government on Thursday described as "unacceptable" what it called the Turkish government's failure to comply with the terms of a deal to build a massive and controversial dam and is reiterating its threat to suspend Berlin's participation in the project. If the government pulls out its export guarantees, the ambitious project could collapse."

"The project entails the construction of the so-called Ilisu dam along the upper stretch of the Tigris River, which would lead to the flooding of ancient cultural treasures and displace as many as 50,000 residents. Critics have called it a miniature version of the highly controversial Three Gorges Dam project in China."

"The government's response reiterated claims made in a recent study by a panel of experts that Turkey had failed to meet many of the 153 criteria that had been established as prerequisites for the project to receive German government-backed export guarantees. Though the government's letter notes that Turkey does have the right 'to correct its shortcomings within a reasonable period of time,' Berlin is still threatening to pull out of the project."

Friday, April 11, 2008 in Der Spiegel

Large blank mall building with only two cars in large parking lot.

Pennsylvania Mall Conversion Bill Passes House

If passed, the bill would promote the adaptive reuse of defunct commercial buildings.

April 18, 2024 - Central Penn Business Journal

Street scene in Greenwich Village, New York City with people walking through busy intersection and new WTC tower in background.

Planning for Accessibility: Proximity is More Important than Mobility

Accessibility-based planning minimizes the distance that people must travel to reach desired services and activities. Measured this way, increased density can provide more total benefits than increased speeds.

April 14, 2024 - Todd Litman

Wood-frame two-story rowhouses under construction.

Fair Housing Cannot Take a Back Seat to ‘Build, Baby, Build’

If we overlook fair housing principles in the plan to build US housing back better, we risk ending up right back where we started.

April 11, 2024 - James Jennings

"No 710" lawn sign on green lawn.

LA Metro Board Approves New 710 Freeway Plan

The newest plan for the 710 corridor claims it will not displace any residents.

April 22 - Streetsblog LA

Close-up of row of electric cars plugged into chargers at outdoor station.

Austin’s Proposed EV Charging Rules Regulate Station Locations, Size

City planners say the new rules would ensure an efficient distribution of charging infrastructure across the city and prevent an overconcentration in residential areas.

April 22 - Austin Monitor

Green hills with orange California poppies in bloom in foreground in Chino Hills State Park, California.

Making California State Parks More Climate-Resilient

A recently released report offers recommendations for keeping state parks healthy and robust, including acquiring additional land for conservation and recreation.

April 22 - Spectrum News 1

News from HUD User

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

Call for Speakers

Mpact Transit + Community

New Updates on PD&R Edge

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.