Yusufeli Dam, Hydroelectric power station in Yusufeli, Turkey
Yusufeli Dam is a structure that spans the Çoruh River at a length of 490 meters and rises to a height of 270 meters above the riverbed. The water behind it creates a large lake that fills the valley between the surrounding hills.
The dam was first studied in the 1970s, but construction didn't begin until 2013, taking nearly a decade to complete. It opened to the public in 2022 as part of Turkey's long-term energy plans.
The dam's creation reshaped the local landscape and required communities in the valley to relocate, changing how people live in this region. Today, the water level and the altered terrain tell the story of how infrastructure development transformed the area.
The site is best visited in warmer months when access roads are clear and visibility is good for viewing the full structure. Walking paths around the area let you see the dam from different angles and understand its scale.
This is Turkey's tallest dam and ranks among the highest in the world, built using a double-arch design that helps it resist the massive water pressure. Few dams worldwide are designed this way, making it a rare example of this engineering approach.
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