Ekbatan Dam Lake – A Tranquil Escape in Hamedan, Iran

Ekbatan Dam Reservoir is a concrete structure built on the Abshineh River, just below the point where the Yalfan and Ebro rivers meet. It is considered the most important dam in Hamedan Province. When first constructed, it had a capacity of 36 million cubic meters—once sufficient to meet the drinking-water needs of the entire province. However, with population growth over the years, the reservoir can now supply only about half of the province’s consumption.

Construction of the dam began in 1959 and was completed in 1963, with the goal of providing both agricultural and drinking water from the Abshineh River. The dam originally stood 54 meters high, but as demand increased and water shortages emerged, plans were made to raise the structure. Its height was eventually increased by an additional 25 meters.

Covering an area of around 60 hectares, Ekbatan Dam reaches a maximum depth of 32 meters and a minimum depth of 18 meters. After reconstruction, the stiffness of the structure decreased, prompting engineers to build a new downstream dam to ensure stability and structural uniformity.

The new dam wall measures 72 meters in length and 5 meters in width. To complete the height-increase project, workers installed 1,500 meters of falsework and 595 square meters of formwork. After excavation, approximately 155,000 cubic meters of concrete were poured into the foundation and 310,000 cubic meters into the dam body.

Ekbatan Dam is also a seasonal haven for migratory birds. Species such as the Common Pochard, Grebe, Bittern, Cormorant, and Stork can be seen around the reservoir in late winter and early autumn. Thanks to its scenic lake and calm waters, the area also offers opportunities for water sports, including boating and water-skiing.