Journey Through Iran's Remarkable Rivers

Nature's Pathways: Exploring the Rivers of Iran

Rivers are among the most popular natural attractions in our country, attracting many tourists and travelers so far. As a result, every day, especially during the cooler seasons, many tourists from all over the world prepare to visit Iran's most beautiful rivers. Suppose you intend to see the incredible seasonal and perennial rivers in different cities and enjoy nature. In that case, it is best to stay with us until the end of this article, as we aim to introduce them to you for a more memorable trip.

Characteristics of Iranian Rivers

Depending on the source of nutrition and the duration of flow or the water supply of each river, they are divided into two categories: perennial and seasonal rivers. This is one of the features of Iranian rivers. Some of the rivers in Iran only appear on the earth’s surface during specific rainy seasons and depending on the amount of precipitation. These rivers are called seasonal or temporary. Their lifespan is short and depends on the time and reason.

Some rivers, considered the most crucial in Iran and necessary to the life of the life of the land, are alive and active all year round. Their source of nutribest, besides rainfalls, includes springs and the snow on the mountains. The water supply and flow of these rivers vary throughout the year, but they never permanently dry out, except during consecutive drought years and decreasing groundwater levels.

Perennial Rivers of Iran:

Aras River

Aras is the most significant and water-rich perennial river in the north of Iran, originating from the mountains of Turkey. This river plays a role in the geography and history of this land, marking the border between Iran and the Republic of Azerbaijan, eventually flowing into the Caspian Sea.

Jajrood River

Jajrood is a river in the north of Tehran province and is the most critical permanent river in the area. It originates from the Kloon Bastak and Kharsang mountains in the Alborz mountain range.

Karun River

Karun is one of the most famous rivers in Iran. Originating from the Zard Kuh mountain in the Zagros mountain range, it eventually flows into the Persian Gulf. A river that once had ships navigating on it.

Bahu Kalat River

Bahu Kalat is a water-rich river located in Sistan and Baluchistan. It originates from the Pir Abad mountain in southeastern Iranshahr and finally flows into the Gowater Bay in the Sea of Oman.

Zayandeh Rud River

Also known as Zende Rud, Zendek Rud, Zeen Rud, Zarn Rud, or Zayandeh Rud, this river originates from the foothills of Zardkouh Bakhtiari and eventually flows into the Gavkhuni swamp.

Zarrineh Rud River

Also known as Jaghato or Zarrineh Rud River, this is one of the longest rivers in West Azerbaijan. It originates from the Chehel Cheshmeh mountains in Kurdistan and flows into Lake Urmia.

Karaj River

One of the most water-rich rivers on the Alborz slope, the Karaj River originates from the Kharsang mountain and flows into the Salt Lake of Qom.

Marun River

The Marun River is one of the perennial rivers in Iran located in the Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad provinces.

Taleghan River

Taleghan River is a water-rich river located in the city of Taleghan. It originates from the Kandovan and Kahar mountains and eventually flows into the highly aquatic Shahrood River.

Shahrood River

Shahrood River is one of Iran’s rivers and among the significant rivers of Alborz and Qazvin provinces. In a dedicated article, its introduction, water source, and the path of the Shahrood River are discussed.

Sefidrood River (White River)

There are numerous rivers in Gilan province, with the longest being the Sefidrood, which originates from the Chehel Cheshmeh mountain in Kurdistan province and flows into the Caspian Sea.

Tajan River

Mazandaran has a permanent river from the Darab Mountain and Sarkuh, both part of the Alborz range, named the Tajan River. This river eventually flows into the Caspian Sea.

Sirvan River

Sirvan River, located in Kermanshah, can be considered one of the longest rivers in Iran. Among Iranian rivers, it ranks fifth in terms of water volume. This river passes through the provinces of Kermanshah and Kurdistan and eventually flows into Iraq.

Atrak River

Atrak is one of the famous border rivers of Iran, originating from the heights of Hezar Masjed in the north of Quchan and eventually pouring into the Caspian Sea.

Kor River

Kor is a river located in Fars province, specifically in Eqlid County. It originates from the heights of the Sefid and Deh Bid mountains and flows into the Bakhtegan Lake.

Talkhehrood River

Also known as Ajichay, Talkhehrood is one of the primary and most crucial rivers of East Azerbaijan province. Originating from the Sabalan and Ghousheh Dagh mountains, it is the largest river flowing into Lake Urmia.

Sezar River

Sezar is one of the essential rivers in Lorestan province. This river is located next to Doroud in Lorestan.

Ghezelouzan River

Ghezelouzan is one of the rivers in Iran, flowing in the west of the country. Categorized among Iran’s perennial rivers, it’s one of the most water-rich rivers in Iran.

Hablehrood River

Located in Firuzkuh and Garmsar counties, there’s a permanent river that originates from the Alborz mountains and Shahmirzad, eventually flowing into the desert plains.

Siminehrood River

Also known as Tatao, this river flows in West Azerbaijan province, particularly in Takab and Miandoab counties. It originates from the mountains of Saqqez and the heights of Baneh and eventually pours into the Sefidrood.

Ghareh Aghaj River

The Ghareh Aghaj River in Shiraz, by sustaining the life of various plant and animal species, has created enchanting landscapes like Fars province.

Little Zab River

Similarly, the Little Zab is another river in Iran, flowing in the west of the country. In areas around the Zab River in Iran and Iraq, there are Kurdish inhabitants. This river eventually flows into Iraq.

Jarrahi River

The Jarrahi River, the eleventh longest river in Iran, originates from the narrow and white mountains. It flows through the provinces of Kohgiluyeh Boy,er-Ahmad, and Khuzestan, finally emptying into the azure waters of the Persian Gulf.

Shahrchay River of Urmia

Another one of Iran’s perennial rivers is the Shahrchay River of Urmia. This abundant river has its source in the heights of the Dovecote mountains in Kurdistan and the border mountains of the martyrs. After passing through the city of Urmia and traveling a not-so-winding route, it empties into Lake Urmia.

Barandouz River

This river is located near the city of Urmia in the province of West Azerbaijan and eventually flows into Lake Urmia.

Seasonal Rivers of Iran

Many of the rivers in central Iran are categorized as seasonal rivers. This means they are filled with water and flow during the rainy seasons, but during drier seasons, one can’t observe any flow.

Hirmand River

The Hirmand River originates from Mount Baba, part of the Hindu Kush mountain range. It flows down to Sistan province and eventually empties into Lake Hamun.

Hendijan River

Also known as the Zohreh River, Hendijan has its sources in the Kuh-e Kenar mountains near the Fars province, and it ultimately flows into the Persian Gulf.