Gabar Mountain Oil is the name given to the high-quality crude oil reserve discovered in 2023 in the Gabar Mountain region, located within the provincial borders of Şırnak, Türkiye. This discovery has been recorded as one of Türkiye's largest onshore oil discoveries.
Gabar Mountain Drilling Site (TRT News)
Discovery Process and History
Oil exploration activities conducted in Gabar Mountain were initiated within the framework of Türkiye's policies aimed at identifying domestic energy resources. Studies carried out by Turkish Petroleum Corporation (TPAO) began in late 2022 with geological and geophysical surveys conducted in the region. During this process, data on underground structures was collected using three-dimensional seismic imaging techniques.
In line with the seismic data obtained, drilling activities commenced in 2023. Initial production tests were carried out in the well named Şehit Aybüke Yalçın-1; as a result of the analyses, the presence of economically valuable crude oil was detected. Subsequent drillings also yielded similar results.
In a statement made by then-President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on May 2, 2023, it was announced that the oil reserve in the Gabar Mountain region was approximately 1 billion barrels. The same statement also indicated that initial production was at a level of 5,000 barrels per day, with plans to reach a capacity of 100,000 barrels/day over time.
Due to the region historically being considered risky in terms of security, security measures were increased during exploration and production activities. Additionally, investments were made in transportation routes, energy transmission lines, and other infrastructure elements to ensure the sustainability of drilling operations.
Naming the Drilling Rig After Martyr Aybüke Yalçın
The drilling rig was named after Martyr Aybüke Yalçın. Aybüke Yalçın was a teacher who lost her life during a terrorist attack in Şırnak in 2017. Her name was given to show respect to those who lost their lives in the region's security issues and in the fight against terrorism. This naming was chosen to both keep the memory of this loss alive in the minds of the local people and to give a spiritual meaning to the operations.
Characteristics of the Reserve
The oil discovered in the Gabar Mountain field falls under the category of light crude oil according to technical classification. The API (American Petroleum Institute) gravity used to determine the specific gravity of oil indicates that the oil produced in this field has high values. This means that the oil has low viscosity, making it relatively easier to process. Light oil is an economically preferred type because it can be converted into more refinery products like gasoline and diesel compared to heavy oil.
The production process began with a limited number of wells in 2023. Initially, the daily production capacity was set at 5,000 barrels, with plans to expand production activities through new wells to be drilled in the field. Statements made by Turkish Petroleum Corporation (TPAO) indicate that the production capacity in the region is aimed to be gradually increased to 100,000 barrels/day in the medium term. The realization of this target depends on the development of the production infrastructure in the field and the completion of new well investments.
The geological structure of the formation where the oil is located directly affects the production rate and the efficiency of the wells. Geological modeling studies conducted in the region show that the reservoir rocks hold oil within porous structures and offer suitable conditions for production. However, production quantities are clarified through rock permeability, well production tests, and long-term observations.
In the process of commercially evaluating the reserve, logistical factors such as oil transportation, storage, and delivery to refineries also play an important role. In this context, efforts are being made to develop infrastructure elements such as pipeline connections and road transport located near the field.
Economic and Strategic Importance
It is stated that the oil fields in Gabar Mountain are considered a strategic element in terms of Türkiye's energy supply. Türkiye meets a significant portion of its energy demand through imports, therefore, an increase in domestic oil production is expected to have an impact on the current account balance and energy security.
In addition, it is thought that it could contribute to the revitalization of economic activities in Şırnak and its surroundings, an increase in employment opportunities, and investment in infrastructure. This situation is viewed as an opportunity from a regional development perspective.
Current Production Status
In the Gabar Mountain oil field, an initial daily production capacity of approximately 5,000 barrels was targeted. Production activities, including drilling and extraction operations, are being carried out as planned. The quality characteristics and production quantities of the oil obtained from the field are regularly monitored for the effectiveness of the production processes.
The production capacity is planned to be increased over time, with a long-term goal of raising daily production to 100,000 barrels. Achieving this increase requires the development of existing infrastructure, the drilling of new wells, and the optimization of production technologies.
Data regarding the field's production performance is used as a reference in regional and national energy planning. The environmental and economic impacts of the production processes are also monitored and overseen by relevant regulatory bodies.
