Saednews: The watermills of Dezful are being renovated while the city has recently lost its last miller.
According to the tourism service of Saednews, there is a city in northern Khuzestan called Shushtar, which is only 63 kilometers away from Dezful. This city is famous for its waterfalls and hydraulic structures, attracting many tourists every year. Historians believe that the construction of this city was due to the destruction of the city of Susa, and thus, Shushtar, meaning "a better city," was built a few kilometers from Susa. Interestingly, Susa was the capital of Khuzestan province until the early Pahlavi period. Due to its special location and the passage of the Karun and Dez rivers, Shushtar has a complex and massive irrigation system dating back to the Achaemenid and Sassanid periods. This structure consists of bridges, dams, waterfalls, canals, and large tunnels that are harmoniously connected and serve the purpose of directing water. This beautiful and unique complex was created with the goal of maximizing water usage. However, today, only part of it remains.
The Shushtar Hydraulic System is one of the largest industrial complexes before the Industrial Revolution, which is unique not only in Iran but also in the world. It has been registered as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Different Parts of the Shushtar Complex
Water Mill
By blocking the Gargar Dam, the water level rises and fills three tunnels dug into the rock. The water from these tunnels then splits into several channels, one of which leads to the water mills. After turning the mills, the water flows down like a waterfall into pools, creating a beautiful view.
Mizan Dam
To irrigate agricultural lands, the water level needed to be raised due to the low water level. Therefore, the Mizan Dam was constructed on the river to block the water flow and raise the water level.
Kolah Farangi
Kolah Farangi is a tower near the river, built during the Qajar era. It served as a place to monitor workers, as well as the amount and intensity of water in the river.
Gargar River
This river is located in the northern part of Shushtar. Interestingly, it was manually constructed during the Achaemenid era to reduce the flow of the Karun River for the security of the city.
Band-e-Borj Ayar
Located at the lowest point of the waterfalls, this dam dates back to the Sassanian period. It is believed that this tower was built with a woman's gold reserves and a certain type of gold container, hence its name "Ayar" (meaning a vessel for storing gold).
Shah Ali Bridge
This bridge, from the Safavid period, has multiple arches, although only three of its arches remain today. After the construction of a new bridge connecting Shushtar to Ahvaz, the Shah Ali Bridge is no longer used.
Shadrawan Bridge
Some consider the Shadrawan Bridge to be the oldest bridge in the area. This bridge originally had 44 arches, but over time, parts of it have been lost.
Fishers’ Dam
This dam, also known as Khodafarin Dam, is believed to have been created naturally over the Gargar River, as it was not man-made.
Daughter’s Dam
The last dam in the mountain gorge through which the Karun River flows. Other dams in this magnificent complex include the Dara Dam, Khak Dam, and Sharabdar Dam.
Sika
Sika is a place for rest and recreation, located on the eastern side of the complex, accessible through stairs carved into the rock. Inside, there is an eight-sided pool with small channels flowing into it, directing the water toward the river.
Visiting Costs and Time for Shushtar Waterfalls and Water Mills
Visiting the waterfalls and water mills in Shushtar is free, and the recommended visiting time is between 1 hour and 1 day.
Attractions Around Shushtar Waterfalls and Water Mills
Salsal Castle: 1.2 km
Shushtar Grand Mosque: 1.5 km
Historical Mostofi House: 1.4 km
Historical Marashi House: 1 km
