Lake Urmia

Lake Urmia is the largest permanent body of water in West Asia and one of the most interesting attractions of Urmia. The lake is fed by 60 rivers, including the Zarrineh Rud, Barandooz, Shahrchay, Nazlu, Simineh Rud, Talkheh Rud, Gadar and Zola. The lake's extremely high salinity is due to its rapid evaporation and its position at the end of the drainage basin. The Simineh Rud and the Zarrineh Rud are among the largest rivers of this basin and have a major influence on the lake's water level. Snow, rain and springs within the lake are also among its sources of water.

Lake Urmia is 140 kilometers long, 55 kilometers wide and about 16 meters deep. It lies 21 kilometers east of Urmia, on the border between the provinces of West Azerbaijan and East Azerbaijan. One of the lake's special features is that it changes color to red and orange, caused by the activity of microscopic organisms in its salty water. As the water level falls and the salt concentration rises, these organisms multiply and make the lake's color more intense. As a unique ecosystem, Lake Urmia is home to a great deal of wildlife. In Lake Urmia National Park live 23 species of mammals, including the Armenian mouflon and the Persian fallow deer. In addition, the mountainous island of Kaboudan is a unique habitat for the Armenian mouflon. In this area, 115 different bird species can be seen, including the white pelican, golden eagle and flamingo. The lake is also a refuge for various species of Artemia, as well as 10 species of lizards and 3 species of amphibians. Because of the water's extreme salinity, there are no fish in the lake.

Lake Urmia is one of the most beautiful tourist attractions in Iran. Before the lake's water level dropped, boating and visiting its islands were popular activities among tourists. Now that the water level has risen again, this activity has become popular once more. Tourists can go to the port of Sharafkhaneh for boating. In addition, the therapeutic properties of the mud on the lake bed are known to help with various conditions, such as skin and respiratory diseases. Visitors can also enjoy floating on the lake's water. During the bird migration season, the lake hosts a variety of rare birds such as flamingos, pelicans and storks, attracting bird-watching enthusiasts. During this period, the lake is considered one of the main bird-watching destinations in Iran. In addition, the bridge that crosses the lake offers travelers a beautiful view of it.