The Sarıoğlan Dam is an earth-fill dam located in the Sarıoğlan district of Kayseri Province, Turkey. Its primary purpose is to provide irrigation water for agricultural lands in the region.
Overview Constructed by the State Hydraulic Works (DSİ) of Turkey, the Sarıoğlan Dam is an integral part of regional water resource management in central Anatolia. It plays a significant role in supporting agricultural productivity and livelihoods within the Sarıoğlan plain by ensuring a stable water supply, particularly during dry seasons. Beyond irrigation, the dam also contributes to flood control and the general water security of the area. Its completion marked a notable step in the development of agricultural infrastructure in Kayseri Province, aimed at boosting local economies and improving farming conditions.
Etymology/Origin The dam derives its name directly from its geographical location, the Sarıoğlan district of Kayseri Province. The name "Sarıoğlan" is a Turkish toponym, potentially originating from historical tribal names or descriptive terms ("sarı" meaning yellow, "oğlan" meaning boy or young man). The project originated from the State Hydraulic Works (DSİ)'s strategic plans for water infrastructure development across Turkey, aimed at increasing agricultural output and managing water resources more efficiently. Construction for the Sarıoğlan Dam typically began in the 2010s, with official completion and operational status achieved in the late 2010s or early 2020s.
Characteristics
- Location: Situated within the Sarıoğlan district, Kayseri Province, Turkey.
- Construction Type: An earth-fill dam, a common design utilizing locally available soil and rock materials.
- Dimensions:
- Height from riverbed: Approximately 42.5 meters.
- Storage Volume: Approximately 12.06 million cubic meters.
- Purpose: Primarily designed for the irrigation of approximately 2,500 hectares (25,000 decares) of agricultural land in the Sarıoğlan plains. It also contributes to flood control and provides a regulated water supply for regional needs.
- Operator: The dam is operated and maintained by the Devlet Su İşleri (DSİ - State Hydraulic Works) of Turkey.
- Completion: The dam became operational in the late 2010s, with formal inaugurations often occurring around 2018-2020.
Related Topics
- Water management in Turkey
- State Hydraulic Works (DSİ)
- Irrigation projects
- Kayseri Province
- Earth-fill dams
- Agricultural infrastructure