Birecik
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Birecik (Greek: Βίρθα and later Macedonopolis or Makedonopolis; Latin: Birtha; Arabic: al-Bīrā البيرا; Kurdish: Bêrecûg), also formerly known during the Crusades as Bile, is a town and district of Şanlıurfa Province of Turkey, on the River Euphrates.
Birecik Dam and hydroelectric power plant, part of the Southeastern Anatolia Project is situated within the district. The Roman city of Zeugma is now drowned in the reservoir behind the dam. Zeugma's famous mosaics, including the 'river god', have been taken to Gaziantep Museum, but some rescued remains of Zeugma are exhibited in Birecik. With its rich architectural heritage, Birecik is a member of the Norwich-based European Association of Historic Towns and Regions (EAHTR) [1].
The Northern Bald Ibis used to nest here and winter in the deserts of Arabia, up to 1,000 pairs in the 1960s. Now a few dozen birds remain and these no longer migrate but remain protected year-round in Birecik.
Birecik is a bridge across the Euphrates and a useful stopping place on the road from Urfa to Gaziantep, with waterside restaurants.
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- Smith, Dictionary of Greek and Roman Geography, s.v. Birtha
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