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Derbendikhan Dam

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Derbendikhan Dam (Iraq)

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The Derbendikhan Dam is a critical multi-purpose dam located on the Diyala River in the Sulaymaniyah Governorate of northeastern Iraq. Constructed between 1956 and 1961, it is designed as a rock-fill dam with a central clay core. The primary functions of the dam include regulating water for agricultural irrigation, generating hydroelectric power, and providing flood protection for downstream communities. Lake Derbendikhan, created by the dam, serves as a vital water reservoir and a significant recreational area for the surrounding region. The integrated hydroelectric station provides renewable energy to the Kurdish power grid. In recent years, the dam has faced substantial challenges, most notably a powerful earthquake in 2017 that caused structural damage and necessitated extensive emergency repairs. Despite these setbacks, the dam remains an indispensable component of Iraq's national infrastructure, particularly for the water security of the Diyala Governorate. Water management at Derbendikhan is also a key topic in cross-border negotiations with neighboring Iran, as the headwaters of the Diyala River originate across the border.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, May, Oct.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C681318243134342923138
Rain mm46505343172101214845

📋 Practical info

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What is this place?
This massive infrastructure project on the Diyala River plays a crucial role in regional agriculture, ensuring consistent water supply and providing essential hydroelectric power to the Sulaymaniyah area.
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Visiting
General access to the immediate dam structures and power generation facilities is heavily restricted for security reasons, though the surrounding reservoir area is generally open to the public.
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Where to view it
Travelers can typically get the most impressive panoramic views of the water cascade and the vast lake from the elevated mountainous roads approaching the structure from the north.
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Local products
Exploring the nearby towns might yield fresh regional produce supported by the dam's irrigation, as well as locally caught fish from the sprawling reservoir waters.
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Active season
The area experiences peak activity during the spring snowmelt when the water flow is at its absolute maximum, presenting the most dramatic visual spectacle for visiting observers.
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Nearby
Combining this scenic industrial landmark with a broader tour of the Zagros Mountains and the cultural heritage sites around the city of Sulaymaniyah makes for a well-rounded itinerary.

Geography

Coordinates
35.12000, 45.71000

Facts

  • The dam stands 128 meters high above its lowest foundation point.
  • The length of the dam's crest is 445 meters.
  • The reservoir's maximum storage capacity is approximately 3 cubic kilometers.
  • The hydroelectric plant has an installed capacity of 249 megawatts.
  • Construction was carried out by an international consortium under US supervision.
  • The 2017 earthquake that affected the dam had a magnitude of 7.3.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Lake DarbandikhanLake Darbandikhan<1 km · NExplore →
Sharazur PlainSharazur Plain21 km · NEExplore →
Shahrizor PlainShahrizor Plain25 km · NEExplore →
HalabjaHalabja31 km · NExplore →
Qara Dagh Nature ReserveQara Dagh Nature Reserve38 km · SExplore →
SulaymaniyahSulaymaniyah46 km · SEExplore →
Chavi LandChavi Land46 km · SEExplore →
Mount GoizhaMount Goizha47 km · SEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Derbendikhan Dam (4)

Darbandikhan City Hall🎭 culture

A local cultural venue and community hall used for public events and performances.

Goma bahry📍 landmark

A natural pool and scenic water attraction located near the Darbandikhan Dam.

Sirwan river tour site📍 landmark

A recreational spot offering boat tours and views along the banks of the Sirwan River.

Big Mosque📍 landmark

A central Friday mosque serving as a significant religious landmark of the town.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Where is the Derbendikhan Dam located?
It is located in the Sulaymaniyah Governorate on the Diyala River.
Can you go boating there?
Yes, the reservoir is used for local boat tours and leisure activities.
Are there restaurants there?
Near the dam, there are small cafes and restaurants with views.
Was the dam damaged by earthquakes?
Yes, the 2017 earthquake caused damage that required extensive repairs.
Is the area family-friendly?
Yes, it is a popular destination for family picnics from the region.
Derbendikhan Dam: where is it located?
Derbendikhan Dam is located in Iraq.
Derbendikhan Dam: what is there to see?
Highlights include Darbandikhan City Hall, Goma bahry, Sirwan river tour site.
Derbendikhan Dam: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, May, Oct.
Derbendikhan Dam: why is it worth visiting?
The Derbendikhan Dam is a critical multi-purpose dam located on the Diyala River in the Sulaymaniyah Governorate of northeastern Iraq.
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Nearby cities

Sulaymaniyah — Derbendikhan Dam (Iraq)
Sulaymaniyah
An important cultural center in Iraqi Kurdistan, surrounded by mountains.
Halabja — Derbendikhan Dam (Iraq)
Halabja
A city in Kurdistan, near the border with Iran.
Penjwen — Derbendikhan Dam (Iraq)
Penjwen
A high-altitude border town in Sulaymaniyah, known for its cool climate, agriculture, and beautiful mountain scenery.
🗺️
Ahmadawa
A popular resort town in the Sulaymaniyah region, famous for its spectacular waterfalls and cool springs.
Uraman Takht — Derbendikhan Dam (Iraq)
Uraman Takht
A historic village in the heart of the Hawraman region, famous for its UNESCO-listed cultural landscape.

Nature

Lake Darbandikhan — Derbendikhan Dam (Iraq)
Lake Darbandikhan
Lake Darbandikhan is a beautiful reservoir on the Diyala River in the Sulaymaniyah Province.
Lake Dukan — Derbendikhan Dam (Iraq)
Lake Dukan
Lake Dukan is the largest lake in Iraqi Kurdistan, formed by a dam on the Little Zab River.
Zarivar Lake — Derbendikhan Dam (Iraq)
Zarivar Lake
A picturesque freshwater lake in Kurdistan province, surrounded by dense oak forests and hills.

More places

🗺️
Sharazur Plain
One of the most fertile agricultural plains in the Kurdistan Region, surrounded by majestic mountains.
Shahrizor Plain — Derbendikhan Dam (Iraq)
Shahrizor Plain
A vast, fertile plain in the Sulaymaniyah province, enclosed by high mountain ranges.
Qara Dagh Nature Reserve — Derbendikhan Dam (Iraq)
Qara Dagh Nature Reserve
A forested mountainous area that is one of the last refuges for the critically endangered Persian leopard.
Chavi Land — Derbendikhan Dam (Iraq)
Chavi Land
One of the largest amusement parks in the Kurdistan Region, located on the slopes of Mount Goizha in Sulaymaniyah.
Azadi Park — Derbendikhan Dam (Iraq)
Azadi Park
A significant urban park in Sulaymaniyah, offering beautiful gardens, monuments, and peaceful walking paths.
Mount Goizha — Derbendikhan Dam (Iraq)
Mount Goizha
Together with Mount Azmar, it encloses Sulaymaniyah and is a central element of the region's natural silhouette.
Mount Azmar — Derbendikhan Dam (Iraq)
Mount Azmar
A mountain ridge right on the edge of the city of Sulaymaniyah, offering a magnificent view over the entire urban metropolis.
Mount Pira Magrun — Derbendikhan Dam (Iraq)
Mount Pira Magrun
A prominent peak in the Zagros Mountains near Sulaymaniyah, often deeply enshrouded in clouds and snow.