Kalkınma Politikaları Göçe Engel Olabilir mi? Karaman Ermenek İlçe Örneği

Abstract

The purpose of this study is explain the social transformation experienced in Ermenek sub province of Karaman following the construction of a hydroelectric dam. This attempt is being made on the basis of a triangle formed by the village, town, and city. Using a perspective encompassing micro and macro levels of social transformation, this study is conducted with village communities who were subjected to compulsory migration as their villages submerged in the dam lake and those who migrated from Ermenek to the city of Konya. In recent years, dams have an important place in developmental projects of Turkey due to the increased need for energy. In this context, the ways in which water is used as energy resource, as well as the social impact of the dams built is discussed. Due to geographical conditions, industrialization is low and agricultural lands scarce, hence the low employment opportunities. In order to prevent work and employment motivated migration from the sub province,a dam has been built in Ermenek to support socio-economic development. In terms of developmental principles, the dam fails to provide a sustainable source of income for village communities, while the electricity produced is vital for the country. Consequently, my research on the region and its current and former inhabitants reveal that the dam as a developmental project has failed to prevent emigration from Ermenek.