Hanhowuz Reservoir, Diversion dam in Mary Region, Turkmenistan
Hanhowuz Reservoir is an artificial lake in the Mary Region that collects and stores water for farming needs. It spans a large area with an average depth of about 10 meters, drawing water primarily from the Karakum Canal system.
The reservoir was built during the Soviet period to improve water infrastructure in southeastern Turkmenistan. It became part of a broader system designed to manage the region's scarce water resources for farming development.
The reservoir's name comes from Khan Oguz Han, a historical figure whose memory lives on in regional folklore and local identity. Visitors can observe how this heritage remains woven into conversations and stories that local communities share about their past.
The site is accessible year-round, though spring and autumn offer the best conditions for viewing water levels and surrounding landscape. The area is relatively open, but visitors should prepare for hot and dry weather, especially during summer months.
The water is home to several fish species including Aral barbel, asp, and catfish that draw local and visiting anglers. These populations sustain both the local ecosystem and traditional fishing practices that have persisted in the region.
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