The Southeastern Anatolian Project (GAP)-Ataturk Dam

ATATURK DAM The Southeastern Anatolian Project is Turkey's largest and most multifaceted development project, and also, one of the largest development projects in the world. The project includes active farming with extensive irrigation systems and electricity production; following these are tourism, mining, petrol,education, health, comminication, industry and transport sectors. The Southeastern Anatolia Project covers the lower parts of the Firat and Dicle rivers; and Gazi Antep, Sanli Urfa, Adiyaman, Diyarbakir, mardin.htm, Siirt, Batman and Sirnak, which are situated on the plains between the rivers. This project will also bring with it a change in climate to the area. The Ataturk Dam and Hydroelectric Plant, the largest in Turkey and the sixth largest in the world, is situated in the Bozova town of Sanli Urfa. Ataturk Dam, which is the major foundation of the Southeastern Anatolia Project, is important not only for energy production but also for irrigation. The water obtained from the reservoirs of the Ataturk Dam on the Firat river is going to be carried to the Harran plain by the Sanli Urfa Tunnel System. The Sanli Urfa Tunnel System is the largest in the world, in terms of its length and flow rate. The waters of the Firat river will pass through tunnels which are 26.4 kilometers in length and 7.62 meters in diameter, and be distributed to the vast cropland on the Southeastern Anatolian plains from central and side channels, bringing a production boom and prosperity to the region. source: about-turkey.com

Corum Hattusas

All the major early-Hittite sites lie in the province of Corum in Bogazkale National Park, between Yozgat and the city of Corum. Impressive double walls, which are situated by the Royal Gate,the Lion Gate and the Yer Kapi (an underground tunnel), ring the Hittite city of Hattusas, known today as Bogazkale. This city, the Hittite religious center was known as the City of Temples because over 70 temples stood there. The largest ruins are those of the great temple of the storm god Tesup. The Acropolis contained government buildings the Imperial Palace and the archives of the Hittite Empire. In 1180 B.C the Phrygians devastated the city. After thorough excavations at the site, the city walls are now being extensively restored.

Yazilikaya, an open-air rock pantheon dating from the 13th century B.C. contains fine reliefs of all the Hittite gods and goddesses. Alacahoyuk, north of Bogazkale on the road to Corum, was the center of the flourishing Hattian culture during the Bronze Age. The magnificent Hattian gold and bronze objects in the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations in Ankara were found in the Royal Tombs of this period. All the remaining ruins at Alacahoyuk,however, such as the Sphinx Gate,date from the Hittite period.

Corum, an important city on the road from central Anatolia to the Black Sea, produces the finest chickpeas in Turkey.Significant historical buildings include the 13th century Ulu Mosque and the 19th century clock tower.

source: about-turkey.com

Aspendos

Another intriguing historical place located in the Pamphylian plain is Aspendos. Situated 47 km east of Antalya and 37 km west of Side it is situated near the Belkis village. Not too far from the Mediterranean shore either, the Köprü Çayi stream runs beside this ancient city.

If vacation means action, adventure and exploration for you and not just lazing by the beach or the swimming pool, Aspendos certainly lives up to it.

Aspendos is in existence from the 5th century B.C. and was built during the reign of Marcus Aurelius (2nd century B.C.) by a renowned architect known by the name of Zenon. A parallel historical account shows that the city was actually built in the 13th century B.C. by Mopsus. However by the 6th century it came under Lydian rule but was soon conquered by the Persian king Cyrus. Two centuries later Alexander the Great occupied this city but later with the Romans rising in power, Aspendos became inclined to Rome. In fact, it was a major port city during the Roman supremacy with Koprucay acting as the channel for conveyance. Records show that it was under the Seljuk control soon after.

Summer is not a good option to visit Aspendos, as it is too crowded. However, summer also hosts the Aspendos Opera and Ballet Festival held at the ancient theater. These festivals take place between mid-June and mid-August.

Antalya is the best possible base from, which you could travel to Aspendos. The whole journey will take around 50min and you could either hire a car or take a guided tour. If you are driving down to Aspendos take the highway from Antalya towards Sillyon and after crossing Sillyon travel for 12km, turn left and stay on the road for another 5 kms.

Another way is to travel on the Antalya-Alanya highway and travel towards Serik. After crossing Serik you take to the north direction and travel for 4km.


source: turkeyforyou.com