Buḩayrat Sittat ‘Ashar Tishrīn, lake in Syria
Buḩayrat Sittat 'Ashar Tishrīn is a large reservoir in Latakia Governorate created by damming the Nahr al-Kabir al-Shamali river and appears from above as if divided into seven separate sections. Its shores are lined with forested mountains, mainly pine and oak, with small islands of red soil surrounded by dense trees.
The reservoir was created by constructing the Sixteen Tishreen Dam across the river, transforming the landscape into an artificial body of water where only a riverbed had existed before. This infrastructure development enabled the surrounding region to secure its water supply and support irrigation of nearby farmland.
The name refers to October sixteenth and hints at local historical significance for the area. Residents gather at the water's edge during festivals and religious holidays, where traditional music and food mark important seasons and gatherings.
The reservoir lies roughly 30 kilometers from the city of Latakia and near the village of Al-Bahluliyah, making it relatively accessible. Three hotels operate nearby and the gentle shoreline allows for easy walking and basic recreational activities like picnicking and bird watching.
The reservoir takes its name from a date significant to the area and locals also call it the Seven Lakes because its branching shape appears from above as seven separate water sections. Beginning in 2011, restoration efforts started to rebuild fish populations by releasing adult fish, fingerlings, and larvae after overfishing had depleted the stocks.
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