Shorabil Lake

Shorabil Lake in Ardabil is one of the largest urban lakes in Iran, covering an area of about 180 hectares. With its wide range of facilities, it is one of the best recreation areas in the city of Ardabil. In the past, Shorabil was a large saltwater wetland in northwestern Iran, but in recent years it has lost a considerable share of its salinity. Easy access to the lake makes it even more popular among Ardabil residents and travellers.

Throughout the year Shorabil Lake hosts a variety of migratory birds, but because the lake is surrounded by the city, there are no other animals. The common goldeneye, greylag goose, black stork and grey pelican are among the best-known migratory species in the area, while the heron, duck, pheasant and coot are among its native birds. Because of the lake's salty water, no plants grew around it for many years. As the salinity has dropped in recent years, however, artificial forests have been planted around the lake.

Shorabil Lake is one of the oldest bodies of water in Iran, and according to researchers it is older than Lake Urmia. Geologists estimate that the lake formed in the late Tertiary and early Quaternary periods. In the past it was known as a wetland, fed by rainfall throughout the year and by the Baliqlu Chay River. Today the salinity of Shorabil's water has fallen from 80 grams per litre to two grams per litre. As water built up behind the Yamchi Dam and the Baliqlu Chay River flowed into the lake by this route, the lake's area increased rapidly, growing from about 7 hectares to 18 hectares. This increase in volume made the lake's water 14 times greater and turned it fresh.

To visit Shorabil Lake, you first need to go to Ardabil. The lake lies in the southwest of the city, and several routes from inside the city lead to it. Kowsar, Daneshgah, Milad and Barzegar streets and highways all give access to the lake. There is also good access from Basij Square, northwest of the lake. From this square, take Ataei Street and, a little past the side entrance of Milad Highway, you will reach Avazzadeh Square.