Ermenek Dam, Hydroelectric arch dam in Karaman Province, Turkey.
Ermenek Dam is an arch structure on the Göksu River that rises high above the water, holding back a large reservoir behind it. The facility operates with turbines that convert the force of flowing water into electrical power.
Construction started in the early 2000s and finished a few years later, creating an important power station for the region. The flooding from the new reservoir submerged some historical structures that had stood for centuries.
The Turkish State Hydraulic Works developed this infrastructure project to meet the increasing energy requirements of communities in the Karaman region.
The best time to visit is outside the hottest months, when the area is more comfortable to explore. The site itself is accessible, but check local conditions beforehand since the location sits in mountainous terrain.
This project paid a significant cost for progress, submerging a bridge that dated back to the 13th century beneath the waters. That sacrifice reveals the tension between modern development and preserving structures from earlier times.
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