Behold ElmalI-2 BarajI a testament to Istanbul’s ingenuity. This isn’t just a dam it’s a lifeline. For decades it has quenched the city’s thirst.
ElmalI-2 BarajI stands proudly on the CavusbasI Creek. It’s a gravity dam built between 1952 and 1955. The Turkish State Hydraulic Works spearheaded its creation. The dam’s construction was a marvel of engineering. It involved the precise placement of 103000 cubic meters of concrete.
But ElmalI-2 BarajI’s story doesn’t begin here. Long before its concrete form existed another dam stood on this very spot. This was the original ElmalI Dam. It served Istanbul well for many years. However time and the relentless force of nature took their toll. The original ElmalI Dam was eventually damaged. It needed significant repairs and upgrades. These were eventually undertaken. The dam was improved upon in 1926. It was then reinforced with concrete plates.
The older ElmalI Dam was a crucial part of Istanbul’s water system. It was later sold in 1937 to the Istanbul Water Directorate. The original ElmalI Dam was further strengthened in 1948. Additional spillways were added to increase its capacity. The reservoir’s water level rose to 3240 meters. Its capacity grew to a substantial 1700000 cubic meters.
Yet even with these enhancements Istanbul’s booming population continued to grow. The need for a larger water supply was inevitable. Thus came the construction of ElmalI-2 BarajI. This newer dam provided a crucial boost to the region’s water supply. It continues to supply 60000 cubic meters of water daily. That’s 22 million cubic meters per year. A remarkable feat that ensures a constant flow of water to millions.
ElmalI-2 BarajI’s reservoir is sizable. Its surface area is a significant 280 square kilometers. This impressive body of water holds 10 million cubic meters of water. ElmalI-2 BarajI is more than just a structure. It’s a symbol of human ingenuity and resilience. It shows our commitment to providing essential resources. This is a story of adapting to challenges and securing a vital resource for a vibrant city.