The construction of Ilısu Dam, which was designed around 50 years ago and which shall be the second and fourth biggest hydro electric power plant in Turkey in terms of lake volume and energy production respectively, is to be started. The ground of Ilısu Dam and HES which is the key project of Southeastern Anatolia Project – one of the greatest projects in Republic history – shall be laid tomorrow in a ceremony upon the attendance of Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Hilmi Güler. When Ilıcısu Dam and HES is completed, which has been a matter of intensive debate since it has been brought into agenda due to the justification that various residential areas-including historical district of Batman; Hasankeyf- shall be submerged ; it shall be Turkey ‘s second biggest dam in terms of lake volume.