The Beautiful Lake of Orumieh, Iran

Everyone knows that Iran is a country that is so beautiful it takes your breath away. Filled with historical monuments, bridges, mosques, bazaars and world famous squares, there is something about Iran that draws you like a magnet draws iron filings.

One of the most popular sites to be visited in Iran is the salt water lake called Orumieh which lies in the north western region of Iran. Situated between the cities of Orumieh and Tabriz, the lake is touted to the largest salt water lake in Iran and the second largest in the world.

The lake covers an area of almost 6100 square kilometers and is filled with residual salt. The lake is 16 meters at its deepest point and is filled with a faint trickling of small islands that dot the surface at places.

Location: As mentioned above, Lake Orumieh is situated in the North Western region of Iran. The lake actually cuts the entire region into two, owing to the fact that it runs for nearly 140 kilometers from North to South. The divided regions are called East Azarbayjan and West Azarbayjan respectively.

Significance: Lake Orumieh is touted to be one of the most magnificent bodies of still water on the planet. The fact that the entire lake is heavily inundated with natural salt makes it all the more special. The salt water and mud in the lake are known to posses ailing powers and huge numbers of locals and tourists alike throng the area for therapeutic cures, especially for rheumatism.

The islands on the lake and the mainland surrounding it are a habitat for nearly 287 rare species of animals and birds including the endangered pelican and the flamingo. Various animals like goats, sheep, reptiles and deer can often be spotted on various islands.

The location of the lake along with its natural composition and wild species has led to the Iranian government declaring the site as a conservation area. The lake and its surrounding areas have also been named as a National Park by the Department of Environment in Iran in addition to be called a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO.

Ports and Islands on the lake: A special mention needs to be given to the numerous islands that dot the surface of Lake Orumieh (approximately 102). The mainland has been left to its natural glory and has only a very few hotels and ports.

The ports present are used to transport visitors from the mainland to the islands and back in addition to transporting them between islands as well. The most significant one would be the Sharaf Khaneh port which is present on the eastern end of the island. Visitors to the lake mainly use this port to move to other islands. The other important ports would include those of Aq Gonbad, Danaloo, Zeenatloo, Rahmanloo and Qobadloo which are all present on the eastern coast as well.

Among all the islands present in the lake, there are only a few worth mentioning here. The Kaboodan Island, also called as Qoyoon Daqi, is said to be the largest island on the lake and covers an area of 36 square kilometers. It is also touted to be most beautiful of all the islands with lush green vegetation and presence of wildlife which include water fowls, wild goats, rabbits, sheep and a rare species of Iranian deer.

The second largest island on the lake is Kabudi which is a conservation area which prevents travelers from visiting it without a permit from the Department of Environment. There is a quaint little village on the island which also serves as an abode for various birds.

The island of Islami (Shahi) is touted to be only island which is inhabited and covers an area of 27 square kilometers. The island slightly elevated which makes sightseeing a pleasure from high areas around it.

A highlight of the Islami (Shahi) island is that it is surrounded by fresh water in sharp contrast to the rest of the water in the lake which is salty. The island is a natural habitat for birds like flamingos and pelicans. Visitors can also get to visit the remains of an ancient castle and prison that is said to have been lived in by a certain Hollakoo Khan.

Other islands that are also visited regularly include the islands of Ashk Daqi, Espeer and Arezoo. All of these islands fall in the area of East Azarbayjan.

In the process of destruction: Sadly, one of the most sought after tourist destinations in Iran is in the process of drying up due to global warming and careless human activity. A few months ago, a bridge was constructed over the lake which reduced water inflow to the lake by a sizeable measure.

Without its daily ration of water, the lake is threatening to get dried up, which if occurs would turn it into nothing but a huge salt marsh land. This in turn would bring about a drastic change in the climatic condition of the regions surrounding the lake.

Experts are urging the public to take measures to make sure the lake retains its natural beauty. Whether that would be achieved, only time can tell!