- Birecik
Birecik (Greek: polytonic|Βίρθα and later Macedonopolis or Makedonopolis;
Latin : Birtha; Arabic: al-Bīrā البيرا; Kurdish: Bêrecûg), also formerly known duringthe Crusades as Bile, is a town and district ofŞanlıurfa Province ofTurkey , on theRiver Euphrates .Birecik Dam and hydroelectric power plant, part of theSoutheastern 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 toGaziantep Museum, but some rescued remains of Zeugma are exhibited in Birecik. With its rich architectural heritage, Birecik is a member of theNorwich -basedEuropean Association of Historic Towns and Regions (EAHTR ) [http://www.historic-towns.org/documents/members/turkey.doc] .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 Şanlıurfa to Gaziantep, with waterside restaurants.
ee also
*
Birtha (Commagene)
*Birtha (Titular See)
* [http://www.birecik.gov.tr/ District Governor's Office]References
*Smith, "
Dictionary of Greek and Roman Geography ", "s.v." Birtha
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