An Evaluation Of The Relocation And Reconstruction Applications Of Three Historical Mosques Submurged Under The Water Of ？oruh Dams

This article discusses, by giving dramatic examples, how the Dam and HEPP projects constructed in Artvin have been planned through a long process and not taking the negative consequences of the lack of conservation and rescue efforts on the cultural and historical heritage in the areas where these projects are conducted and how some well-applied practices were realized by coincidence. It is emphasized that conservation committees, which do not have any guidelines or any conservation plans and acting with the decision of Supreme Board of Conservation composed of only few sentences, are insufficient or ineffective to protect ‘historical monuments’ being lost. The importance of the conservation practices missing in the development plans of the country is emphasized throughout the text. Unfortunately, the consequences of the lack of conservation plan in the chapters or clauses have been dramatic in the planning of the Dam and HEPP projects realized in Artvin ？oruh Basin for decades. The oldest Turkish cultural formations and structures in Anatolia were submerged under the water. For instance, the two tombs of Anatolia’s first Conquerors built 250-300 years before Hasankeyf Zeynel Mirza’s tomb, were not rescued. They were not as fortunate as Mirza’s tomb which had been saved by removing from its original location by a very successful rescue operation. However, it has been possible to rescue some of the structures by the personal efforts of a handful of people from the relevant institutions in Deriner Dam Project, realised in about 25 years, which included no planning for the rescue of cultural assets. This article discusses the process of dismantling three historical mosques in the nearby villages of Artvin that are not submerged under the water and sustained their existence in their new places as determined. The conclusion of this article is as follows; all movable and immovable cultural assets and the historical and natural environment should be taken into consideration during the planning stage of projects such as Dam, HEPP and etc. While planning, it should also be considered how these projects and their use will affect the ecosystem and biodiversity, their socio-economic and environmental impacts and the consequences of the changes. Otherwise the loss will not only be limited to the ‘history’