Utilization of Ilisu Dam in Turkey and the Rules of International Water Law

International rivers that traverse the territories of different States are subject to their exercise of the principle of territorial sovereignty. Utilization of these rivers and performance development plans by each of the riparian States will have impacts which may affect the rights and interests of other riparian States. Rules of international legal order relevant to international rivers have regulated legal relations among riparian States for the prevention of disputes and conflicts. Turkish government launched Güneydoğu Anadolu Projesi (GAP) and scheduled the construction of the Ilisu dam on the River Tigris. The operation of this dam in the future will diminish the Tigris water flow to the territory of lower riparian States such as Syria and Iraq. This diminishing effect indirectly plays an important role in developing arid and desert areas and leads to the intensification of dust haze, especially in Iran. This article examines international obligations of Turkish government with regard to the utilization of Ilisu dam.