In 1976, the construction of the Karakaya Dam started in Çüngüş district of Diyarbakır. A modern village was built for foreign engineers and workers who will work in the dam construction. This village was specifically designed to accommodate Italian and Polish engineers with their families. The settlement, known as the “Italian Village”, was used as an active living space for 11 years.
A Settlement Above the Standards of the Region
Village of 350 households, It had a structure that exceeded the regional standards of the period. inside three helipads, cinema halls, concert venues, schools, hospitals and various social facilities was located. Italian engineers and workers were socializing and resting here outside of work. However, when the dam construction was completed in 1987, the Italians left the village.
They took their jackets and left
ItaliansWhen they left the village, they left their house and all its belongings as they were and handed over the village to the municipality. A municipal official said that the first television set in their home was given to them as a gift from an Italian family who emigrated from there in the 80s. However, due to indifference and lack of ownership, this modern village was plundered over time and took on a ghostly appearance. Today, the village, which was once a lively settlement, attracts attention with its abandoned state.
Memories from Karakaya Village Residents
Sharing his memories about the village, Ramazan Arslancan states that he was only 12 years old during the construction of the dam. “It was known as Yapsan Italian Houses. Approximately 8 thousand people were working, nearly 3 thousand of them were Italian. There were Germans too. Italians were very friendly and everyone got along well with them. “Their lifestyle was different from ours, but they were very friendly,” he says.
Villas with Gardens and Houses with Pools
Photographer Cengiz Kudat says that he noticed this village while exploring the region and was impressed by its architecture. “Every house had a garden, some also had a pool. The village is designed like a completely modern living space. But it has deteriorated over the years.” he explains.
An Abandoned Legacy
Located on the mountain slope of Çüngüş district, this italian villageis buried in silence today. The village, which was once a lively settlement, is now remembered only with memories. Abandoned structures continue to bear the traces and forgotten story of an era.
Once upon a time, the “Italian Village”, where people from different cultures came together, worked shoulder to shoulder and formed friendships, is now a “ghost village” It is referred to as. Despite all the years that have passed, the story of this interesting village still lives on in memories.
To join our WhatsApp group CLICK!
