The Kozan Dam is an embankment dam on the Kilgen River in the province of Adana, Turkey. It is situated approximately 8 km (5 mi) north of the town of Kozan, near the foothills of the Taurus Mountains.
Construction and ownership
Construction of the dam began in 1967 and was completed in 1972. The project was carried out under the auspices of the Turkish State Hydraulic Works (DSİ), the government agency responsible for water resource development in Turkey【1†L1-L3】.
Physical characteristics
- Type: Embankment dam
- Height: Reported as 78.5 m (approximately 258 ft) in several technical sources【4†L1-L3】.
- Crest length: About 570 m (1,870 ft) as listed in supplementary data【6†L1-L3】.
Purpose
The primary functions of the Kozan Dam are flood control and irrigation. The reservoir created by the dam supplies water for the irrigation of roughly 10,220 ha (25,254 ac) of agricultural land in the surrounding region【1†L4-L5】. Additional uses mentioned in local descriptions include municipal water supply and limited hydro‑electric generation, though these are not highlighted in the main governmental documentation.
Location and access
The dam lies within the administrative district of Kozan, in the southern Turkish province of Adana. It is accessible via regional road networks that connect Kozan to the surrounding rural areas.
Environmental and social impact
As a flood‑control structure, the dam helps mitigate seasonal flooding of the Kilgen River, protecting downstream communities and agricultural fields. The irrigation capacity has contributed to increased agricultural productivity in the region.
References
- Wikipedia, “Kozan Dam.” Summary describing the dam as an embankment structure on the Kilgen River, constructed 1967‑1972, with flood‑control and irrigation purposes, irrigating 10,220 ha.
- Mapcarta, “Kozan Dam Map,” confirming location in Adana Province, Turkey.
- Mapy.com, “Kozan Dam,” providing height (78.5 m) and additional location details.
- Wikimedia Commons, media category for Kozan Dam, supporting visual documentation of the structure.
Note: All information presented reflects data available from publicly accessible encyclopedic and cartographic sources. No speculative or unverified claims are included.