Zayandeh
Rud (life giver river) is the largest river on the central plateau of
Iran, Isfahan Province. The Zayandeh starts in the Zagros Mountains and
flows 400 kilometres (200 mi) eastward before ending in the Gavkhouni swamp,
a seasonal salt lake, southeast of Esfahan city. The Zayandeh Rud is spanned by many historical Safavid era bridges,
and flows through many parks. Zayandeh Rud normally has significant flow all
year long, unlike many of Iran's rivers which are seasonal. But this year
the severe draught has caused the river to completely dry up. The river
which used to be the meeting place for lovers has now turned into a grazing
place for herds of sheep...
Zayandeh Rud, Isfahan
BEFORE: The
beautiful Zayandeh Rud (summer 2002)
click image to see high resolution