The maps illustrate how a town changed between 1980 and 2000 following the construction of a hydroelectric power dam.
Overall, the town underwent a profound transformation during this period. The most striking change was the replacement of the river valley with a man-made reservoir, resulting in the disappearance of natural and historical features and the emergence of new facilities.
In 1980, the town remained relatively unspoiled. The entire region was surrounded by mountains, and the river meandered naturally through the landscape without any human interference. A dense forest extended along the western bank of the river, providing a habitat for rare species of flora and fauna and several archaeological sites. In contrast, the eastern side was mainly occupied by irrigated farmland, with a small village located nearby.
By 2000, however, the construction of the hydroelectric dam had reshaped the landscape completely. The forest, farmland, and ancient remains were submerged beneath a vast reservoir, which also supported fishing activities. At the southern end of the lake, the dam was built to generate electricity, which was then supplied to surrounding areas through the electricity grid. Meanwhile, the original village was relocated further south to make way for the development.