Another consequence of the dam is the burial and inundation of the Hasankeyf archaeological site. The site has evidence of human habitation dating back 12,000 years.

Before the reservoir inundated the town, residents were relocated to high ground north of the river. Named New Hasankeyf, the new town is home to a few historical structures moved from their original locations, including a tomb, a mosque, and an ancient bath. While a section of the old town remains above the water, many archaeological sites were submerged beginning in 2019.

The declassified Hexagon satellite image also shows enough detail to reveal Hasankeyf’s previous location.