Dubbed ‘a masterpiece of creative genius’ the Shushtar Historical Hydraulic System, of the Khuzestan province, is the pumping-heart that turned this expansive semi-desert land into urban residences, farms and orchards. Dating back to the time of Darius the Great, 5th century BC, this ancient collection of dams, bridges, basins, mills are a testament to the influences of Elamite, Mesopotamian, Nabatean and Roman civil engineering and architecture. As of 2009, it has been an official UNESCO registered World Heritage Site.
The complex large-scale series of canals and structures are remarkably accomplished considering their technical diversity and completeness that has astonishingly sustained to the present day. The Shushtar Hydraulic System structures were completed 3rd century CE. This act of continuous construction is what gave the ensemble its rich diversity in civil engineering design and applications. There are a total of 13 notable properties at this historic site: Band-e Mizan Dam, Kolah-Farangi Tower, Gargar Canal, Polband-e Gargar Dam Bridge, Polband-e Borj-e Ayar Dam Bridge, Polband-e Khoda-Afarin Dam Bridge, Selasel Castle, Dariun Canal, Polband-e Shadorvan Dam Bridge, Band-e Khak Dam, Polband-e Lashkar Dam Bridge, Band-e Sharabdar Dam and the area of waterfalls and watermills.
These structures and canals made possible multiple uses for an urban water supply, agricultural irrigation, livestock farming, fish farming, functioning of mills, transportation and a defense system. The Shushtar Historical Hydraulic System is a fantastic example of a holistic water diversion system that is harmonious with its natural and urban environment. It is so much in harmony that parts of it are still being used to the present day.
City/Town: Khuzestan / Shushtar
Address: Between Hefdah-e Shahrivar Sq. and Panzdah-e Khordad Sq., Taleghani Street, Shushtar.
Operating Days: Everyday
Operating Hours: Available
Typical Price: Free
Neighbourhood: Abshar Cinema – Salasel Castel – Tourism Hotel – Sika Park