Doush Dam

Doush Dam is located in Bonab County (East Azerbaijan Province) and is one of the region's important water supply projects. The dam was built in 1387 (2008) on the Chavanchay River, and since then, besides its economic function, it has also attracted attention as a tourist destination. It is an earth-fill dam with a clay core, and when it went into operation it created a reservoir of considerable capacity.

The water stored behind Doush Dam plays an important role in irrigating the farmland of Doush village and has boosted life in the area. This artificial lake has not only helped agriculture but also created a beautiful landscape for visitors, making it a pleasant place to spend leisure time in nature. The technical specifications of Doush Dam in Bonab include a height of 14 meters from the foundation, a crest length of 880 meters, and an initial irrigated area of 260 hectares. With the use of drip irrigation, the cultivated area is expected to grow to more than 500 hectares. The dam's catchment area is estimated at about 21 to 25 square kilometers. One of the dam's notable features is its special ecosystem, which hosts a variety of bird species. Birds such as herons, kingfishers, ruddy shelducks, golden-headed birds and storks have been observed here so far. This makes Doush Dam an attractive spot for birdwatchers and nature lovers.

To reach Doush Dam in Bonab, the main route starts from the city of Bonab, and you can reach the reservoir by paved and secondary roads. The access road is suitable for passenger cars and motorcycles, and signs mark the way. The best time to visit the dam is spring and early autumn, when the weather is mild and the view of the stored water together with the surrounding greenery is especially pleasant. This is also a good time for photography and short walks along the edge of the dam. Responsible tourism is particularly important when visiting the dam: visitors should not litter around the dam, should avoid damaging the local vegetation, and should stay out of the dam's technical and protected areas. It is also best to avoid lighting fires or doing risky activities along the reservoir shore, to protect the safety and sustainability of both the natural environment and the structure.