Brandon Michael Smith 
Student, Wichita State University 

The valleys formed by the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers are among the most fertile areas in the entire Middle East. To explore his topic, Mr. Smith focuses on one example: the current construction of a dam on the Tigris River in Southeastern Turkey in a regional called Hasankeyf. This area of the world is sometimes referred to as “the cradle of civilization.” It is the location of numerous archaeological sites that reveal a rich cultural heritage. Mr. Smith explains the expected effects of the dam on the region – politically, educationally, culturally, and environmentally. 

Recorded: May 1, 2014