An ancient citadel built by the Ayyubid
Today, the ancient citadel built by the Ayyubid in the 13 century and later occupied by many Kurdish leaders, is in ruins at the top of the huge limestone cliffs rising vertically over the Tigris River. The ancient city of Hasankeyf, built alongside the existing mosque in the fort, is also in ruins. About 30 years ago, its inhabitants were forced by the government to abandon its centuries-old houses, many of which were carved into the limestone, and settle down in the valley. The bitter irony of history is now the new city of Hasankeyf is under threat, doomed to disappear under water in 5 or 6 years after the new Ilisu dam is built in the valley below, under Project Southeast Anatolia (GAP).