Turks move 1,100-ton tomb

Turks have removed a 541-year-old, 1,100-ton stone mausoleum to make way for the reservoir of the country's largest hydroelectric dam.

Built in 1475 by a Turkish leader, the Zeynel Bey mausoleum was moved from its original location in the 12,000-year-old town of Hasankeyf to a new “cultural park” more than a mile away – and 60 meters higher than its original surface.

This costly move takes the tomb out of the area affected by a giant reservoir that will flood the Tigris River valley when the Ilisu Dam comes into operation.

Although some oppose the “resettlement” because of concerns that the ancient tomb will be damaged, supporters say the move is done for the purpose of cultural preservation.

Zeynel Bey Mausoleum.

The mausoleum is a fine example of Anatolian architecture: its two domes for ventilation are over 15 meters high and 7.5 meters in diameter. Its intricate tilework and its position overlooking the Tigris River make it one of the most visited tourist attractions in the region.

Engineers and conservationists have considered several options, including flooding the mausoleum, or building a concrete vault around it – accessible by a 2-mile-long underwater tunnel system and a light rail line.

Tomb transportation process.

Even as Türkiye's State Water Works Agency (DSI) approved the resettlement and agreed to pay $4.2 million, obstacles remained.

Dozens of workers began by drilling horizontal support beams into the mausoleum's floor to create a new concrete foundation. Then, hydraulics lifted the foundation, tower and all, so that transport vehicles could move into place.

This mausoleum is a fine example of Anatolian architecture.

"As usual, things don't always go as smoothly as you plan. We had a lot of trouble on moving day," said Ahmet Turer, an engineer involved in overseeing the project.

Right at the beginning of the road built specifically for the relocation, the generator ran out of gas. This meant that the system that stabilized the structure during transportation had been activated. One of the tires was also flat.

But the fuel was quickly refilled, a backup monitoring system installed and the damaged wheel removed.

Surrounded by Turkish flags, the mausoleum began its slow ascent. It took more than three and a half hours to reach its destination. Engineers had installed a basic isolation system, capable of absorbing seismic shocks and protecting the tower from future earthquakes.

Restoration work will continue at the new site. The remains of the tomb’s owner, Zeynel Bey, which were exhumed several years ago and placed in storage to protect it from looters, will be reinterred.

Restoration work will continue at the new location.

Eight other historic structures will be moved to the new site, called Hasankeyf Cultural Park. But Ahmet Turer has concerns about the next move: some of them are located on the other side of the Tigris River, which is almost inaccessible, and time may be too short.

One day of Ilisu Dam inactivity is estimated to cost $1 million. It is likely that the reservoir will flood before many structures are relocated.

The Ilisu Dam has been controversial since its construction was proposed in 1954 and the issues have become increasingly complex.

The Ilisu Dam will generate 2% of Türkiye’s electricity. But it will submerge dozens of towns on the banks of the Tigris, including the 12,000-year-old Hasankeyf; it threatens to exacerbate drought downstream in Iraq and Syria.

According to Khoahoc.tv