ŞIRNEX - The construction of the “Cizre Dam”, which will submerge many historical buildings in Şirnex, has begun. While many lands were expropriated, citizens were warned to “leave the region”. 

 

The construction of a new dam on the Tigris River has begun. A tender was held on May 24, 2013 for the dam planned to be built between Qesirk (Kasrik) town of Şirnex (Şırnak) center and Misûriyê (Kurtuluş) villages of Cizîr district. However, the tender was canceled due to some disagreements. The dam, which is a joint project of the Ministry of Forestry and Water Affairs and the General Directorate of State Hydraulic Works (DSİ), was tendered again in the following period. The latest “Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) positive” report was issued on April 29, 2019. Work on the site where the dam will be built started a while ago.

 

HISTORY WILL BE BURIED IN WATER

 

The dam will be the second largest dam in the Heskîf (Hasankeyf) district of Êlih (Batman), after the Ilısu Dam, which caused the destruction of historical buildings. With the construction of the dam, settlements, agriculture and historical areas will be flooded. The Qesirk Gorge (Pass of Kings), which separates the Gabar and Cûdî mountains, will also be submerged. The relief of the Guti Emperor, according to some, and the relief of a Parthian cavalryman, according to others, will also be submerged. The carving of two lovers (Bûk û Zava) in the gorge is another historical structure that will be submerged. 

 

URGENT EXPROPRIATION DECISION

 

The State Hydraulic Works (DSİ) hastily expropriated 255 parcels in the region for the construction of the plant. The expropriation of 138 parcels in Dirsekli neighborhood, 100 parcels in Ulaş neighborhood, 5 parcels in Dêra Jêr (Aşağıdere) neighborhood, 5 parcels in Dêra Jêr (Aşağıdere) neighborhood and 12 parcels in Çatalköy neighborhood of Cizre for the purpose of creating the body location, phase 1 work area, material site and lake area of Cizre Dam and Hydroelectric Power Plant (HES). The production license for the dam to be built by CB Electricity Production Industry and Trade Co. was obtained by the company on February 16, 2023. 

 

VALID FOR 49 YEARS 

 

In addition, the Energy Market Regulatory Authority (EMRA) granted CB Electricity Production Industry and Trade Co. a 49-year production license for the Cizre Dam and Hydroelectric Power Plant (HEPP) Project with the Board Decision dated February 16, 2023. 

 

WARNING TO VILLAGERS

 

Company officials also sent a written notification to citizens in the village of Misûrîyê, close to the dam site. Company officials told villagers that they were in a “risk area” and asked them to leave the area.