The construction of the Ilisu Dam would lead to the submergence of numerous archaeological sites that have significance not only for the local Kurds but also for many Muslims, Orthodox Christians and arguably the humanity as a whole. The historical significance of Hasankeyf owes much to the fact that the famous Silk Road “originally crossed the river Tigris precisely at this point and the remains of a 12th century bridge can still be seen at Hasankeyf.” The city is believed to be the seat of an Orthodox bishopric during the Byzantine Empire, as well as several pre-Ottoman medieval dynasties of the Artukids and Ayyubids.