Kirov Reservoir, dam in Manas District, Talas Province, Kyrgyz Republic
Kirov Reservoir is a large body of water in Kyrgyzstan's Talas region, held back by a concrete dam and spreading across a wide surface area. The dam itself stands 86 meters high, measures 256 meters long, and is 7 meters wide, holding approximately 550 million cubic meters of water.
The reservoir was built in 1975 to support irrigation in the Talas region and neighboring areas as part of a larger Soviet infrastructure project. Since its completion, the dam has controlled the flow of the Talas River and serves as a key part of the water system shared by Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan.
The reservoir carries the name of a Soviet leader, reflecting the historical connection of the region to that era. Today, local communities use this place primarily as an agricultural resource, with farmers and workers depending on its water for their crops and daily livelihoods.
The site is most easily reached across the open plains that characterize the area, and access to the shoreline is typically unrestricted for visitors. The ground near the water is relatively flat, but comfortable shoes are helpful since the surrounding terrain can be uneven.
Beneath the water lie the ruins of the ancient city of Sheldy, which is over a thousand years old and was known for silver production in the 16th century. During low water levels in autumn, these remains sometimes emerge above the surface, offering a rare glimpse into the region's past.
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