BBC News

Turkey has begun building a major dam, despite criticism that the project will ruin an ancient archaeological site and displace thousands of people.

Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan led a ceremony to begin work on the Ilisu dam in the south-eastern Turkey.

Turkey says the $1.55bn (£800m) project will help irrigate vast areas of farmland and provide vital energy.

Critics argue that it will destroy ruins and artefacts at the Hasankeyf site dating back thousands of years.

Some 4,000 protesters held an overnight vigil near the dam site on the River Tigris, about 45km (28 miles) north of the Syrian border.

Controversial project

"The step that we are taking today demonstrates that the south-east is no longer neglected," Mr Erdogan said during the ground-breaking ceremony.

"This dam will bring big gains to the local people," he said.

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Posted by pichu at August 5, 2006 5:25 PM