Hasankeyf, the Ilisu Dam, and the Existence of “Common European Standards” on Cultural Heritage Protection
Hasankeyf, the Ilisu Dam, and the Existence of “Common European Standards” on Cultural Heritage Protection

Summary/Abstract: The struggle to save Hasankeyf from the now imminent flooding in connection with the construction of the hydroelectric dam at Ilisu on the Tigris river in the southeastern part of Turkey has been the subject of international attention for decades. The first part of this paper describes the process with respect to the financing and construction of the dam, examining in particular the lessons learned as to the role of international standards on the protection of cultural heritage in development and their implementation through different actors and processes. The second part discusses the case against Turkey brought by Turkish citizens before the European Court of Human Rights in connection with the construction of the Ilisu dam, highlighting that – despite the outcome of the case – it might still be considered a step forward toward advancing public interest litigation for the protection of cultural heritage. Part three offers conclusions.

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