Definition: Beyyurdu Dam is an earth-fill dam located in the Malatya Province of Turkey, primarily constructed for irrigation purposes.
Overview: Situated within the Akçadağ district of Malatya, eastern Turkey, Beyyurdu Dam serves as a critical infrastructure project for agricultural development in the region. It was constructed by the Turkish State Hydraulic Works (DSİ) and became operational in 2014. The dam's primary function is to provide irrigation water to a significant agricultural area, thereby supporting local farming communities and boosting the regional economy. In addition to irrigation, such dams often contribute to local flood control and groundwater recharge, though irrigation is its main stated purpose.
Etymology/Origin: The dam is named after the Beyyurdu locality or village in the Akçadağ district where it is situated. The name "Beyyurdu" is of Turkish origin, combining "Bey" (meaning 'lord', 'chieftain', or 'governor') and "yurdu" (meaning 'homeland', 'territory', or 'dwelling place'). Thus, "Beyyurdu" can be interpreted as "Lord's Homeland" or "Chieftain's Territory". Construction of the dam commenced in the early 2010s and was completed by 2014.
Characteristics: Beyyurdu Dam is classified as an earth-fill dam, a common type of dam construction utilizing compacted soil and rock.
- Type: Earth-fill dam.
- Height: Approximately 35.5 meters (from the thalweg, the lowest point of the valley).
- Crest Length: Around 300 meters.
- Reservoir Capacity: The reservoir formed by the dam has a storage volume of approximately 5.6 million cubic meters.
- Irrigated Area: The dam is designed to irrigate an agricultural land area of approximately 1,510 hectares (equivalent to 15,100 decares).
- Water Source: The dam impounds water from local streams and runoff in the Beyyurdu area.
Related Topics:
- Dams in Turkey
- State Hydraulic Works (DSİ)
- Irrigation in agriculture
- Malatya Province
- Water management in Turkey