Turkey's Gap - Water Conflicts Flashcards
What was the water situation in Turkey?
They are a large country with a varied climate and abundant rainfall - there are water shortages in the main cities of Akara and Istanbul
On average how much rainfall does Turkey receive per year?
643mm
What percentage of annual rainfall is lost to evaporation?
55%
Why was the GAP project needed?
Due to water shortages in the main cities
How much did the GAP cost?
$32 billion
What else does the GAP attempt to improve?
Incomes in Anatolia (which is the least developed part) by developing an integrated water and energy supply system
What do they want to increase the production of?
Cash crops including nuts, fruits and vegetables
How many dams does the GAP aim to construct?
22 dams
How many hydroelectric plants does the GAP aim to construct?
19
How many water transfer tunnels does the GAP aim to construct?
Two
What percentage of Turkeys electricity will be provided by 2010?
22%
The GAP will provide irrigation for how many hectares?
1.7 million
What percentage will it help Turkeys economy grow by?
12%
What countries are not happy about the GAP project?
Iraq and Syria - created a geopolitical issue by upsetting neighboring countries and global institutions
Why are Syria and Iraq unhappy about the project?
Because it involves damming the Euphrates and Tigris rivers which provide both countries with most of their water
What does Syria and Iraq fear?
That Turkey could choose to withhold water for political reasons
What is the name of the dam they are building?
Ilisu Dam
Why was the project created?
To address droughts in Southern Turkey
What will the building of the dam provide?
Better education and healthcare, plus additional jobs to the local area
What has the dam caused?
Controversy - it is the biggest part of the GAP project and highlights the difficulty involved in securing water for the Middle East
The dam is set to drown…
…one of the worlds oldest towns
How many people is the dam set to drown?
80,000 people
How many residents were moved as a result of the dam?
34,000 - people haven’t even been consulted about the construction of the dam
Why did the World Bank shun the scheme?
Because it violates ethical codes
What countries have Turkey agreed to release water too?
Syria - not yet Iraq
What does Turkey intend to do in the future?
Build another dam to collect additional water
