Iran Natural Attractions Part 1
LAKES & WETLANDS
Iran is a country with vast natural and cultural attractions and landscapes, luring many Noruz holiday makers. Among natural attractions of the country reference should be made to lakes and wetlands, altitudes and summits, forests, valleys, plains and deserts, protected and wildlife zones, caves, gardens and recreational places, islands, springs and waterfalls. Anzali Wetland, Aq Qala Wetland Complex, Atrak, Caspian Sea, Mazandaran, Orumieh Lake, West Azarbayjan and Avan Lake, Qazvin are the most important lakes and wetlands in the country.
ANZALI WETLAND, ANZALI
It extends to the south western coast of the Caspian Sea, west of the Sefid Rood delta and south of the port of Anzali. Rivers, streams and water from irrigation drains into this wetland, which covers an area of more than 100 square kilometers. Most of the rivers terminating in this wetland take their source in the mountains of Talesh, and after a steep incline end up in the plains. Apart from the economical and environmental aspect, it plays an important role in Gilan's social, geographical, political and cultural atmosphere. It is also of importance in connection with several scientific backgrounds such as zoology, biology and environmental studies. The wetland displays a spectacular view. Its aqua atmosphere is a suitable bed for the spawning of various types of fish, which play an important role in the economy of the region. This wetland is one of the best and appropriate surroundings for various waterfowls. Hundreds of species of migrant birds choose to settle in this area for breeding. The Anzali wetland and its islands have a beautiful view which attract nature lovers.
AQ QALA WETLAND COMPLEX, ATRAK
This complex is situated in the southern side of the Atrak River and includes Incheh, Almagol, Alagol, Inchehboroun, Bibi Shirvan, Ajigol, Namak and Daneshmand Wet Lands. Their total area is about 1,250 hectares. Some of these wet lands like the Alagol, has been registered and has important biological affects. The distance between the wetlands is short and experiences a warm Mediterranean climate, which has hot-dry summers and mild winters. There are kinds of immigrating birds like swans, geese, heron etc. in these wetlands who spend the winter here. The annual hunting season is from autumn till the end of winter and on Wednesdays and Fridays. Its fish are Kouli, Oranje, Simparak and Shishehmahi. These wetland regions present rest houses in a landscape of vast pastures, wildlife, and other tourist facilities.
CASPIAN SEA, MAZANDARAN
The largest lake of the world, Caspian sea (land-blocked body of water), covers an area of 438,000 sq. km. and is located between Iran and countries such as the Republics of Qazaqistan, Turkmenistan, and Azarbayjan. Its southern coast which extends from the Hosseinqoli Gulf to Astara is in the jurisdiction of Iran. In past this lake was known as Heerkani, and in foreign texts and maps was called 'Caspian'. The average depth of this lake in the north is 6 m. and to the west and south west regions is at the most 1,000 m. The coast of this lake is sandy and low-lying, with the Gulfs of Qarah Boqaz and Gorgan to the north east and southeast respectively. The latter is segregated from the Caspian Sea due to the presence of the Miankaleh Peninsula.
ORUMIEH LAKE, WEST AZARBAYJAN
The province of West Azarbayjan has the largest lake of Iran in its territory, known as Lake Orumieh. This lake is at an altitude of 1,267 m. from the sea level, with a length of 130-140 km, the width being approximately 15-50 km. and at an average depth of 50-60 m. Its waters are extremely salty (twice the salinity of the oceans), consequently the lake never freezes. From olden times, local physicians made use of the water (because of its mineral content) and coastal sludge, in treating skin diseases and rheumatoid disorders. The best season for bathing in these waters are from the end of June till the third week of August, when the lake begins getting cold. Lake Orumieh has numerous islands, both large and small totaling to 102 in number. The most important of these being the following, Kaboodan (Qoyoon Daqi), Ashk, Espeer, and Arezoo.
AVAN LAKE, QAZVIN
The Avan peak rises to about 3,750 m. and is located in the Alborz Mountain Range in the north of Roodbar. This summit is also known as Kheshteh Chal. In the south west direction it is connected to the gorge and summit of Sialan, and in northwest direction to the Bazakooh and Parch Kooh mountains. The Azgin, Sefid Ab and Avan rivers originate in the southern highlands whereas the Chalak river originates from north. The beautiful and splendid lake of Avan lies in the southern skirts of the mountain. It gains its water from the springs in the lake. --irna
Lakes and Wetlands INT 870129-1
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