ŞIRNEX - Many historical buildings will be flooded if the construction of the "Cizre Dam" on the Tigris River is completed. 

 

The "Cizre Dam" and Hydroelectric Power Plant (HES) project, planned as the 10th dam on the Tigris River in Şirnex (Şırnak-Kurdistan), has been finalized. AKP deputy Arslan Tatar, who posted about the project on the virtual media, stated that the tender for the project has been realized and said: "The construction work is planned to start as soon as possible, to be completed within 3 years and to start energy production." 

 

Tendered on May 24, 2013, the project was later canceled due to various disagreements. The dam, which is planned to be built on the Tigris River, is said to be the second largest dam after the Ilisu Dam. 

 

The dam, a joint project of the Ministry of Forestry and Water Affairs and the General Directorate of State Hydraulic Works (DSİ), was granted an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) permit on April 29, 2019. If the project, which is planned in the lower part of Qesirk (Kasrik) town and Misûriyê village of the town, is realized, settlements, agricultural and historical areas, as well as many species will be destroyed. On the other hand, the Federated Kurdistan Region and Iraq, whose water needs are met from the Tigris River, will face a major water crisis with the completion of the dam.

 

 

HISTORICAL BUILDINGS WILL BE SUBMERGED

 

Mahmûd Xan Bridge, which is estimated to have been built during the Guti period, is among the structures that will be flooded. In 2011, the bridge, which was affected by floods, was rebuilt.

 

 

The relief of the Guti emperor, according to some, and the relief of the Parthian cavalryman, known as the "Pass of Kings", which separates the Gabar and Cûdî mountains, will also be submerged. The relief, which locals call Bûk û Zava (Statue of the Bride and Groom), is one of the historical sites visited by thousands of people every year.