"Water and Drought from a Climate Change Perspective" workshop was organized

A workshop titled "Water and Drought from a Climate Change Perspective" was organized by Hitit University, with contributions from the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change, the Çorum Governorship, and the Çorum Municipality.

In his speech at the opening ceremony of the workshop, held in the Prof. Dr. Fuat Sezgin Conference Hall of the Faculty of Theology, Çorum Governor Ali Çalgan stated that water and drought are global problems.

Çalgan noted that the seriousness of the water and drought issue in Türkiye was recognized, leading to the establishment of the General Directorate of Water Management in 2011. He added that the institution addresses Türkiye's water management at the macro level and develops solutions.

He emphasized the importance of universities supporting this issue, noting that scientific studies on this topic can be evaluated with stakeholders in workshops like this.

Hitit University Rector Prof. Dr. Ali Osman Öztürk also stressed that water security has become a fundamental determinant of many areas, from food security to public health and social welfare.

Öztürk stated that combating climate change and drought cannot be limited to times of crisis, and that preventive methods should be implemented even during normal periods. He noted the need to develop global, individual solutions for water management.

Pointing out that water and drought are issues involving different disciplines and requiring strategic responsibility, Öztürk added that they aimed to address this issue along with its historical context through the workshop they organized.

Hitit University Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Nurcan Baykam also emphasized that the decrease in water resources is one of the most important problems facing humanity.

Baykam explained that Hitit University has been holding thematic workshops in Çorum focusing on sustainable development goals, and that this year they wanted to address the issue of water and drought. She stated that the workshop would delve deeply into climate change and water management in the city with representatives from responsible and competent institutions and organizations.

Baykam stated that the participants at the four tables set up for the workshop were informed of the topics and questions in advance, saying, "Participants will discuss these in depth and ultimately produce common solutions. Let's not forget that the views presented at this workshop will not only be a report, but also a resource that will provide important contributions to our city and country regarding water management."

Drought and Water Management in the Hittite Era

Following the speeches, Prof. Dr. Andreas Scachner, who heads the archaeological excavations at the ancient city of Hattusha in the Boğazkale district of Çorum, gave a presentation on "Drought and Water Management in the Hittite Era" at the opening panel.

Drawing attention to the fact that Anatolia has always been a region exposed to climatic volatility, Scachner said, "This is nothing new. What is new is the severity, suddenness, and intensity of today's climate. In Anatolia, we have always had to struggle with droughts as major weather systems around the world change."

Scachner, noting that every society in Anatolia, from the Hittites to the Ottomans, has had to contend with drought and climate change, stated that scientists from Turkey and Germany conducted research between 1930 and 1946, adding:

"A map was created using data collected and combined by Turkish and German geographers. Almost every year, there has been a severe drought somewhere in Anatolia. In the Boğazkale-Yozgat region, there was a drought in the 1890s that lasted for three years, killing more than 100,000 people from starvation. So, drought is not a new phenomenon; this danger has always existed. Today, we have the advantage of bringing food from other regions using modern supply methods. The Hittites or the Ottomans did not have such a chance."

Scachner stated that they believe the Hittites founded the ancient city of Hattusa because of its excellent water conservation capabilities due to its geographical features, adding, "The Hittites built dams. We have identified 13 dams around Hattusa. There are also dozens of springs. Furthermore, there are water reservoirs. They constructed five reservoirs, each 70 meters long, 11 meters wide, and 8 meters deep. This is not a small amount of water. They used these reservoirs to feed their sheep and goats."

Scachner added that the Hittites developed silo and storage systems to utilize their agricultural products during periods of drought.

Sezgin Aksu, Head of the Water Sinks Department at the General Directorate of Combating Desertification and Erosion of the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change, provided information about the "Woody Plants Project that Reflects the City's Identity and Adapts to Climate Change."

Following the opening session, participants gathered at four separate tables to share their views on the agenda items.

The opening ceremony was attended by Çorum Chief Public Prosecutor Ahmet Bektaş, Çorum Deputy Mayor Alper Zahir, Provincial Police Chief Arif Pehlivan, Provincial Gendarmerie Commander Colonel Kubilay Ayvaz, and representatives from public institutions and NGOs.