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Tishrin Dam
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The Tishrin Dam is a major hydroelectric facility on the Euphrates River in northern Syria, located about 90 kilometers east of Aleppo. Construction began in the late 1980s and was completed in 1999 to bolster the national power generation capacity. The power plant is equipped with six Kaplan turbines, providing a total installed capacity of 630 megawatts. In addition to electricity production, the dam plays a significant role in regulating the water flow of the Euphrates and supporting local agricultural irrigation schemes. The dam stands 40 meters high and creates a reservoir with a volume of approximately 1.3 billion cubic meters. Due to its strategic importance for the electricity supply of northern Syria, the dam has been a focal point of regional control in recent years. It continues to be a central pillar for the economic and energy stability of the Aleppo region.
- Location: Syria
- Top sights: El-Qitar · Acropolis Palace · Jebel Khalid
- Nearby: Manbij (28 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Sep, Oct.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 5 | 7 | 11 | 16 | 22 | 27 | 31 | 31 | 27 | 21 | 12 | 6 |
| Rain mm | 59 | 51 | 43 | 36 | 19 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 25 | 41 | 65 |
📋 Practical info
What is this place?
Positioned strategically on the Euphrates River, the Tishrin Dam serves as a monumental piece of infrastructure crucial for generating significant hydroelectric power and regulating water flow for the northern Syrian regions. It is a vital economic lifeline that supports both the national energy grid and regional agricultural irrigation.
Visiting
As a facility of high strategic importance and critical national infrastructure, access directly onto the dam structure or into the power generation plants is generally strictly prohibited for standard visitors. However, travellers can typically view the impressive concrete expanse and the resulting reservoir from authorized roadways located a safe distance away.
Where to view it
The most panoramic views of the dam's colossal engineering can usually be captured from the elevated terrains and hillsides flanking the Euphrates valley to the north and south. From these natural lookout points, observers can appreciate the sheer scale of the dam halting the river to create a massive, deep-blue artificial lake against the arid landscape.
Local products
The creation of the reservoir has fostered local freshwater fishing activities, so nearby roadside stalls or village markets often feature fresh river fish such as carp and catfish. Additionally, the improved irrigation allows surrounding communities to offer an array of fresh seasonal agricultural produce, like cotton, wheat, and animated vegetables.
Active season
Spring and early summer are undeniably the most dynamic seasons to observe the area, as melting snows upstream swell the Euphrates, maximizing both water flow and the dramatic release through the dam's spillways. During these periods, the surrounding agricultural lands are also at their most verdant and agriculturally productive.
Nearby
An excursion passing the Tishrin Dam integrates logically with exploring the wider historical landscape of northern Syria, including visits to nearby ancient ruins or the larger city of Manbij. Journeying further south along the river also leads travelers to the even grander Tabqa Dam and the expansive Lake Assad, creating a comprehensive tour of the region's aquatic engineering marvels.
Geography
Facts
- The Tishrin Dam was completed and became operational in 1999.
- The power plant has a total installed capacity of 630 megawatts.
- It utilizes six Kaplan turbines for efficient hydroelectric power generation.
- The dam structure reaches a height of 40 meters above its foundation.
- The reservoir created by the dam holds approximately 1.3 billion cubic meters of water.
- The dam is strategically located about 33 kilometers south of the Turkish border.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
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Sights in the town Tishrin Dam (3)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is the Tishrin dam?
An important hydroelectric plant on the Euphrates for power generation.
Is it open to tourists?
No, access is limited for operational and security reasons.
Why was it built?
To meet the country's growing energy demand.
What is nearby?
Rural areas that benefit from the water from the reservoir.
Is photography allowed nearby?
Avoid photographing critical infrastructure.
Tishrin Dam: where is it located?
Tishrin Dam is located in Syria.
Tishrin Dam: what is there to see?
Highlights include El-Qitar, Acropolis Palace, Jebel Khalid.
Tishrin Dam: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Sep, Oct.
Tishrin Dam: why is it worth visiting?
The Tishrin Dam is a major hydroelectric facility on the Euphrates River in northern Syria, located about 90 kilometers east of Aleppo.
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