Abstract
The GAP, Güneydogu Anadolu Projesi, is a multi sector-related and integrated regional development, based on the concept of sustainable development. It was launched in 1977 to enable the economic take off in Anatolia, one of the poorest regions of Turkey. It's one of the largest dam projects in the world, covering the Euphrates and Tigris basins and the Mesopotamia plains. The Turkish project was massive and included huge investments. Roughly thirty billion of dollars were used between 1977 and 1997. The original initiative consisted of irrigation and hydroelectric energy production projects on the Euphrates and the Tigris rivers, including the creation of several dams, hydro power plants, and irrigation schemes. The project will be finished in 2010, after the construction of almost 22 dams and 19 hydroelectric energy production projects. By this substantial project, Turkey wanted to improve the living conditions in Anatolia, to attract firms and companies, to favour agriculture, and to transform dramatically the way of life of the inhabitants. However, such a massive project, including important infrastructures, investments, constructions, has consequent effects and impacts on the economy, on the society, on the environment and also on the international relations. In what ways did the GAP project try to influence the international relations in the Middle East?
