GAP: Atatürk Dam

Next on our way after leaving Göbeklitepe, was the Atatürk Dam … one of several built as part of GAP … the Southeastern Anatolia Project I previously mentioned. Considered the centerpiece of GAP, the dam is situated on the Euphrates River, with Şanlıurfa Province on one side and Adıyaman Province on the other.

Originally named the Karababa Dam, it was built between 1983-1990 to generate electricity as well as to irrigate the plains in the region. Once the dam was filled, it went into service in 1992. The reservoir lake, called the Atatürk Reservoir, is the third largest in Turkey.

A dam is a dam, is a dam. Right? That was our thought at least and we intended to skip this stop. As it was on our way, however, Ali Eren insisted that we stop for a quick look see from the overlook on the Şanlıurfa. I have to admit that I’m glad we didn’t skip it. The scenery was quite nice and the dam itself was quite impressive.

A cafe at the overlook gave us an opportunity for a quick bite to eat … an advantage on this day since we had some specific plans for the afternoon and didn’t want to dally over food. Blue skies, sunshine, and comfortable temps allowed us to eat the cooked-to-order gözleme — a savory stuffed turnover made with unleavened sheets of dough and cooked over a griddle — al fresco … in view of the dam.Okumaya devam et