*Media Release*

*Ilisu Dam tramples on; Turkey Ignores All Rules*

Istanbul. 2 December 2009. Doga Dernegi (BirdLife Partner in Turkey) has recently obtained visual proof that bulldozers and shovels have begun the destruction of ten thousand years of world heritage to make way for the Ilisu Dam, effectively ignoring the over 153 terms of reference required by the export credit agencies funding the project to be met prior to construction.

Turkish State Waterworks (DSI) has defied the notices of credit agencies and accelerated  the dam construction and closed its eyes to the natural and cultural treasures in the area.

"The information we are receiving from the area, reveals that construction work has already started on the bank of the Tigris River" said Erkut Erturk, Doga Dernegi Campaign Coordinator. "In this case Germany, Austria and Switzerland should withdraw the credits they provide for financing of the Ilisu Dam as they promised.  Not doing so makes them accomplices to the elimination of world heritage."

In a meetings Doga Dernegi held with the related institutions following the protest demonstration in front of the German Parliament building in October, Germany, Austria and Switzerland declared that they officially started the withdrawal process from the project as  Turkey had failed to complete the 153 terms of references binding it to safeguard and protect cultural and environmental treasures in the area. This 60-day-period that will determine the future of Hasankeyf ends by mid December.

The controversial Ilisu Dam project threatens to flood a region that is part of ancient Mesopotamia and that includes more than 83 archaeological sites and the nesting and breeding grounds for dozens of endemic bird, mammal and aquatic species.

Doga Dernegi urges the Government of Turkey to abandon the Ilisu Dam project and to begin the process of having Hasankeyf included on UNESCO's World Natural  And Cultural Heritage Sites List.

Annex 1: Photos of the Construction

*For further information:*

Erkut Erturk, Campaign Coordinator +90 533 3734849
erkut.erturk@dogadernegi.org