Soleyman Tangeh Dam

The Shahid Rajaee Dam of Sari is also known as the Soleyman Tangeh Dam of Sari. It is located 45 kilometres southwest of Sari, in Dodangeh District, near the village of Afrachal. Construction began in Shahrivar 1370 (September 1991) and was completed in 1375 (1996). The dam's main purposes are to supply irrigation water to the surrounding farmland and to provide drinking water. A power plant has also been built at the dam to generate electricity. The dam is also one of the region's recreation and accommodation attractions.

Soleyman Tangeh Dam is a concrete double-curvature arch dam with a free (uncontrolled) spillway. It is 138 metres high, 427 metres long and 7 metres wide. The official name of the dam is Shahid Rajaee Dam, but the locals have a story behind its other name. They say that near the present site of the dam, close to an area called "Davab", there was a historical monument dating back to the time of the Prophet Solomon (Soleyman). Over time this monument went under water and can no longer be seen. The dam took its name from that structure, and the locals call it Soleyman Tangeh Dam.

When visiting Soleyman Tangeh Dam, thanks to its setting in the forests of Mazandaran, you can hike through the dense forests near the dam and enjoy the beautiful view of the Aramesh Village ("Village of Tranquility") and the rice paddies. Swimming in the reservoir behind the dam is not allowed because of the great depth of the water, and the dam authorities have banned it because swimming here is dangerous.

Spring and summer are the best times to visit Soleyman Tangeh Dam. Thanks to its cool air, this mountainous area is an excellent choice for escaping the heat and humidity of Mazandaran. Autumn, despite the cold weather, has a special beauty of its own, with the landscape in its autumn colours.

To reach Soleyman Tangeh Dam, get to Keshavarz Boulevard in Sari and take the road to Kiasar from there. After 23 kilometres you will reach the village of Takam. There is a fork in the road at this point, and the sign for the dam can be seen on the right. Continue another 25 kilometres from this fork to reach Soleyman Tangeh Dam.