The Ilisu dam: Part three - the past points to an uncertain future

Eight years after the construction of the Birecik dam, a controversial irrigation and energy project along the Euphrates river, there are few signs of improvements for the local population. In 2000, the Birecik dam was promoted by the Turkish government as an important part of the GAP project, with promises of economic development and prosperity for those living in the region. The dam's reservoir flooded much of the important Roman archaeological site of Zeugma, as well as many villages, displacing thousands of villagers. We spoke with villagers from the now submerged villages of Belkis and Halfeti to see how their lives have changed over the past eight years.