The historic Hasankeyf Fortress which will be flooded as part of the construction of the Ilısu Dam had been closed off with a fence in 2010 because the falling rocks posed a risk. The region was closed for visits by the Hasankeyf District Governorate, but the historic rock face has been reopened for for the demolition.

The Mint Fortress in the ancient city had been blown up with dynamite on August 29 and later on demolished with construction equipment, which had caused a public outcry.