Doroudzan Dam

Doroudzan Dam, one of the most important water structures in Fars Province, is built on the Kor River, 50 kilometers northwest of Marvdasht. This earthfill dam with a clay core came into operation in 1351 (1972) and plays a vital role in supplying drinking water to the cities of Shiraz and Marvdasht, as well as irrigating the surrounding agricultural plains. The reservoir behind the dam, covering about 55 square kilometers, is one of the largest artificial lakes in Iran. Besides its economic importance, it is also a popular tourist attraction. The dam was formerly known as the "Darius Dam." According to historical accounts, about 2,400 years ago the Achaemenids, needing water resources in this region, built a dam near the village of Doroudzan.

This dam, built on the orders of Darius the Achaemenid using the advanced engineering of the time and Iranian labor, was regarded as one of the most advanced structures of its era. In the Pahlavi period, given the growing need for water resources, it was decided to build a larger dam at the same site. The current dam was thus built at the best point along the Kor River, and the remains of the historic Darius dam were moved to a location three kilometers from the original site in order to preserve them. The vegetation around Doroudzan Dam is diverse and includes species such as wild pistachio (baneh), wild almond, wild fig, hawthorn, plane tree and walnut. The area is also home to a variety of animal species, including wild rams and ewes, wild goats, bears, martens, and birds of prey such as eagles and falcons. The presence of these species reflects the health of the ecosystem and the area's conservation value for biodiversity.

To reach Doroudzan Dam, travel from Shiraz toward Marvdasht and then take the Kamfiruz road. After passing through the village of Doroudzan, you will reach the dam lake. The route is a paved road suitable for family trips. The best time to visit is spring and summer, when nature is at its most beautiful and the weather is pleasant. Visitors should follow the principles of responsible nature tourism and avoid harming the environment and the region's water resources, so that this valuable ecosystem is preserved for future generations.