Shushtar Historical Hydraulic System

Shushtar Historical Hydraulic System

It is one of the most beautiful places you will visit in Iran. You will discover so many wonders there that you will not want to end your stay. Shushtar is an ancient fortress-city in Khuzestan, a province in southwestern Iran. During the era of the Sassanids, it was a city on the island of Karun. This is one of the reasons why you can admire the city through its marvelous hydraulic spring. You will observe magnificent rivers of exceptional beauty under the brilliant stars of the night, impressive waterfalls and splendid bridges.

It is a masterpiece of the creative genius of Darius the Great, in the 5th century BC. You will discover two large canals that derive from the waters of the Karun River. You will observe the Gargar, which supplies water to the entire city through a series of tunnels and even operates a set of mills. You will certainly admire the spectacular cliff. Here, you will see the water cascading in a very beautiful way to feed the agricultural lands of around 40,000 ha. The site also includes the Saladel castle, the Kolah-Farangi tower, dams, bridges...

You are at the heart of the historic hydraulic system of Shushtar. The Band-e Kaisar is an ancient arched bridge. About 500 m long, crossing the Karun River, it is the first structure in the country to combine the functions of a bridge and a dam. The Sassanid Shapur I in 3rd century ordered its construction and Roman workers built it. Moreover, its dual functions have left an indelible mark on Iranian civil engineering and Sassanian hydraulic development techniques.

Very abundant, the Karun is a well-fed river in the country. Stretching over 725 km in length, it is the only partly navigable river in Iran. It drains the waters of a large portion of the central part of the Zagros Mountains of western Iran.

A 200-year-old house was erected during the Qajar period and it is the best choice to accomodate. Arranged in a huge building, it is considered as the first traditional hotel in the province of Khuzestan from 2013. Its standard capacity is 35 people.

Shushtar Historical Hydraulic System
view of waterfalls
 
Shushtar Historical Hydraulic System
Agha Bozorg Mosque