Shirvan Dam

Shirvan Dam, also known as Barzu Dam, is one of the important water storage structures in the northeast of the country. This double-curvature concrete arch dam was built on the Qolqoleh River (Kalchaq), one of the tributaries of the Atrak River, 40 kilometres north of the city of Shirvan in North Khorasan Province. It was built to control seasonal floods, supply drinking and industrial water, and support the region's agriculture, and it has been in operation since 1381 (2002). At normal level, the reservoir has a storage capacity of about 92 million cubic metres of water, and in recent years it has faced challenges such as reduced rainfall.

Despite these conditions, Barzu Dam still plays a key role in supplying water to the city of Shirvan and the surrounding farmland. Its irrigation network covers about 5,700 hectares of the region's agricultural land. The area around the dam offers views of high plains and peaceful scenery, making it a destination for those who love silence and calm. Some visitors have reported that fishing is possible in the lake behind the dam, but official information on this is limited.

The dam can be reached by local roads north of Shirvan, and visitors are advised to travel well prepared, as there are few amenities and the region has a distinctive climate. It is a good choice for nature trips and photography in the cold and mild seasons of the year.