Shushtar Historical Hydraulic System

Persepolis is not the only amazing work of architecture in the Achaemenid era. Shushtar Historical Hydraulic System recognized as a masterpiece of creative genius is another one dates back to Darius the Great in the 5th century B.C. It is Iran's 10th cultural heritage site registered as UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 2009.

History of Shushtar Historical Hydraulic System

Shushtar is an ancient fortress city in Khuzestan Province, 92 kilometers away from Ahvaz, the center of Khuzestan. According to Ghrishman, the French archeologist, the cave found in north of Shushtar is the first human settlement in Iran dates back to 5000 B.C. This ancient city offers many interesting historical sites but the most important one is Shushtar Historical Hydraulic System.

Architecture of Shushtar Historical Hydraulic System

Shushtar Historical Hydraulic System was a complex irrigation system contained the development of two diversion canals on the river Kârun, which one of them is still working to provide the water for Shushtar through a chain of tunnels.

This complex includes Salasel Castel, which is the axis of this operation, a tower for water level measurement, dams, mills, bridges and basins. All create a wonderful scenery in front of our eyes. The water cascades from a spectacular cliff into a basin, then enters a plain located in south of Shushtar created the possibility of farming in an area of 40,000 ha named Minab. This systematic masterpiece is the result of Mesopotamians’ and Elamites’ technical knowledge in ancient time that strongly surprises every viewer. Madame Jean Diolafoa, the famous French archaeologist, in her travel literature describes Shushtar Historical Hydraulic System as the largest industrial complex before the Industrial Revolution.

Shushtar Historical Hydraulic System is one of the wonders of engineering in Iran with an architecture quite different from other sights. With our Iran tour packages, you can visit all the important places in Iran. Our tour packages to Iran are made to plan your trip to Iran with unique services. We can make your trip to Iran a wonderful trip.