Hari River, River in Ghor Province, Afghanistan.
The Hari River is a waterway that flows from central Afghanistan for approximately 1,100 kilometers, crossing several countries along its course. It runs through Turkmenistan and eventually reaches the Kara-Kum desert, where it terminates.
Ancient Greeks called this waterway the Arius, while Roman texts referred to it as Tarius, showing its importance in classical times. These names demonstrate that the river served as a major water source across several centuries.
The river carries different names across regions, such as Harirud and Tejen, reflecting how local communities refer to it in their own languages. These varied names show the linguistic boundaries between Afghanistan, Iran, and Turkmenistan.
Two major dams, the Afghanistan-India Friendship Dam and the Iran-Turkmenistan Friendship Dam, control the water flow and support agriculture in surrounding regions. Visitors should know that water levels vary significantly by season, affecting accessibility along the banks.
This river meets the Jam River near the Minaret of Jam, a 65-meter-high structure that marks this geographical junction. The meeting point lies in a remote location that few travelers typically visit.
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