Concept
This project examines the environmental degradation and forced lifestyle changes faced by local communities in northeastern Turkey due to dam constructions. Built as part of national water policies, the dams in the Çoruh Valley have submerged ancient settlements, religious sites, and cultural heritage dating back 5,000–10,000 years. Beyond environmental damage—such as harm to biodiversity and altered microclimates—over 20,000 people of Turkish, Arab, Georgian, and Laz descent have been displaced. The destruction of fertile riverbank lands has accelerated migration to urban areas. This human-made transformation echoes the legend of Noah’s flood, now revived through the struggle against water scarcity. The journey of diverse communities confronting the 'presence of water' to avoid its absence invites reflection on how a mythic narrative reemerges with profound environmental and social consequences.
Vita
Mustafa Bilge Satkın is an award-winning documentary photographer based in Istanbul. He holds a PhD from Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University and has exhibited his work globally. His projects, primarily focused on the Middle East, have been featured by Redux Pictures, and Getty Images. He has received prestigious awards including the 78th POY Environmental Vision Award, the Lucie Foundation "Photo Taken" Grant, Getty Images Editorial Grants, and Sheikh Saoud Al Thani Project Award. A member of Diversify Photo and a volunteer photographer for the UNDP, Satkın's work addresses social injustice, climate change, and migration to create a better world.