Zeynel Bey Mausoleum is one of the historical buildings that will be affected by the Ilısu Dam in Hasankeyf. The mausoleum is being moved in order to protect it.
According to the authorities, Ilısu Dam will cause flooding of Hasankeyf which is an ancient city in the Batman Province. Zeynel Bey Mausoleum is the only standing historical building that belongs to Aq-Qoyunlu era. The tablet on the Mausoleum states that it was built for Zeynel Bey who was the son of the Ak Koyunlu ruler, Uzun Hassan. The only district among the 108 settlements that will flood due to the dam, Hasankeyf 's historical buildings and artifacts will be moved to their new locations with a European system.
The 16th Regional Director of the General Directorate of State Hydraulic Works (DSI) Mahmut Dindar told that a tender will be initiated in order to move Zeynel Bey Mausoleum, built between 1462-88, before it is damaged by the Dam's water. Dündar said, "The preparations are being made for moving the Mausoleum.
We consulted foreign archeologists and scientists as well. The Mausoleum will be moved with the same technique that Europe uses without harming it. The moving of Zeynel Bey Mausoleum will be finished by the end of the year.
