Aras Reservoir, lake in Azerbaijan and Iran
The Aras Reservoir is a large body of water on the border between Azerbaijan and Iran, created by a dam built across the Aras River. It stretches about 52 kilometers long and holds approximately 1.35 cubic kilometers of water, serving both countries for irrigation and hydroelectric power.
Construction of the dam began in the early 1960s and was completed around 1970 as a joint project between the Soviet Union and Iran to manage the Aras River's water resources. The reservoir officially opened in 1971 with officials from both countries present at the ceremony.
The reservoir is a commercial fishery of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic; carp, catfish, crucian carp, bream, silver bream and silver carp are the main catch, and river crayfish are also taken. Young Kura sturgeon, grass carp and silver carp are released into the water to raise fish productivity.
The dam is about 40 meters tall and stretches more than one kilometer, making walks along its edges rewarding for views of the water and surrounding land. Visit in early morning or late afternoon when temperatures are milder and wildlife is more visible near the shore.
The reservoir's left bank, covering 100 km², is recognised as one of the key ornithological territories of the Caucasus ecoregion. It also supports a commercial fishery for carp, catfish, crucian carp, bream and silver carp, with juvenile Kura sturgeon and Chinese carps released to boost productivity.
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