Overview
The Sarıyar Dam, Turkey's first large hydroelectric power plant dam, is located on the Sakarya River near the town of Sarıyar, 25 km southeast of the district center of Nallıhan, 120 km northwest of Ankara. It takes its name from this town. It was built approximately 1.5 km behind the point where the Sakarya River changes its direction in a horseshoe-shaped curve, first from west to north and then back to west, in front of the village of Sarıyar. In addition to generating electricity, the dam also aims to protect settlements and agricultural lands in the 360-kilometer river valley up to the Black Sea from flooding. The Gökçekaya Dam, built in later years, also contributes to this regulation. The reservoir created by the dam is called the Sarıyar Hasan Polatkan Dam Lake. Fishing is practiced in the lake, which is home to various species of fish, and boat tours are organized. The fish caught here are exported. Nature walks and photo safaris are available in the surrounding area.