If Euphrates could talk: The Halfeti case-the intersecting spatial and cultural dynamics of forced migration and relocation in Southeast Turkey

In this thesis, the socio-cultural effects of the migration, which took place in the town of Halfeti as a result of the construction of Birecik Dam in Middle Euphrates basin, are investigated in terms of habitation. Under the title of ?Space and Culture Relationship, Halfeti 1998-2011? this ethnographic study diachronically examines the transformative effects of the processes of forced-migration and re-location on the local communities of Halfeti.The district centre of Halfeti was moved to a new area 10 kilometers away from the Euphrates River, geographically quite different from the original one, as it was flooded by the reservoir of the Birecik Dam. The event has led to two different residential areas, the one that was left behind (Old Halfeti) and the one that was newly inhabited New Halfeti. This significant situation / partition were to be particularly investigated in terms of the local perceptions and experiences of space and time.My personal observation on the process of migration and re-location began 12 years ago. In 1998, as a documentary filmmaker in the Middle Euphrates basin for the first time, I tried to gather footage about the social life, history, nature and culture of the area, which was going to be affected by the dam two years later. In 2000, I went there again when the reservoir was filling and made two more documentaries about migration and re-location. The three documentaries were showed in the TV channels (Kanal D, CNN Turk and Euro D) under the names of `Before the Deluge?, `After the Deluge? and `Zeugma - Hasankeyf - Allianoi?.As the preliminary studies provided plenty of opportunities to observe the dramatic changes in physical setting, human-space/place relationship, personal and social life, and environment, they also necessitated a closer look at the `human being?, as the main actor in the processes of this socio-spatial transformation more closely. Hence, I went back to the area to continue ethnographic research on the anthropology of space/place and displacement in 2010 and 2011. During this research, in order to obtain qualitative data in an anthropological point of view I focused on mainly three inter-related research topics: (1) the continuity and change in the production and reproduction of socio-cultural spaces in a 12-year period of time, (2) the effects of this displacement and relocation on the local communities? perception and experience of space/place and (3) the emergence of new engagements and practices with the land in their new environment.Key Words: Migration, Relocation / Displacement, Place, Space, Social Change and Identity.