Project To Protect Historical And Cultural Properties Delayed Due To Financial Problems

GAZIANTEP - This year's studies aiming to protect Historical and Cultural Properties, which will be flooded by the waters of Ilisu and Karkamis dams to be erected in GAP region (Southeastern Anatolia Project), could not start due to financial problems, it was announced.
Middle East Technical University (METU) Center for Research and Assessment of Historic Environment (TACDAM) officials told the A.A correspondent on Monday that although the season of archaeological excavations had already started, any funds had not yet been allocated for the project.
''Up to now The project has been performed with funds allocated by the State Water Works (DSI) agency and under the coordination of TACDAM. The delay stemmed from the new Bidding Law. We cannot conduct planning activities without necessary funds. Last year, we experienced the same problem, and therefore, failed to perform a fruitful study,'' they said.
The project was initiated in 1998 to save 250 archaeological settlements that will be flooded by the waters of the dams. The project was also considered a model for archaeological rescue projects in the other parts of Turkey.
Between the years of 1998 and 2002, important Archaeological pieces were unearthed in the excavations. In the light of these findings, the cultural history of the region was rewritten.
The cultural layers found in Teleilat Tumulus and Akarcaytepe settlements helped archaeologists to understand better the relation between Mesopotamia and Anatolia in ancient times.
The GAP is a multi-dimensional and integrated regional development project. Its basic objectives include the improvement of living standards and income levels of the population as to eliminate regional disparities and contributing to such national goals as social stability and economic growth by enhancing productivity and employment opportunities in rural area. The project covers 9 provinces: Adiyaman, Batman, Diyarbakir, Gaziantep, Kilis, Mardin, Siirt, Sanliurfa and Sirnak.
As an integrated project, it goes beyond physical investments in such facilities as dams, power plants and irrigation schemes and encompasses activities and investments, in a coordinated manner, in many diverse fields including agricultural development, industry, rural and urban infrastructure, communication, education, health, culture, tourism and other social services.
(UK-ULG) 05.07.2004