Amir Kabir Dam, Concrete arch dam in Adaran Rural District, Iran
Amir Kabir Dam is a concrete arch dam on the Karaj River in the Central Alborz range in Iran, standing 180 meters tall. It functions both as a drinking water reservoir and as a hydroelectric power station serving the surrounding region.
The dam was completed in 1961 by the American construction company Morrison-Knudsen after decades of preliminary studies. It was one of the first major infrastructure projects of its kind in Iran.
The construction of the dam forced the people of Varian village to leave their homes and move to higher ground. The original village now sits under water and can only be reached by boat.
The dam sits in a mountainous area that can be hard to reach in winter. Visiting during the warmer months makes getting there easier and allows more time to explore the surrounding landscape.
Rainbow trout have settled in the reservoir, which is unusual for such a high mountain setting. The open water also draws sailors and water sports enthusiasts during the warmer months.
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