Lake Urmia

Lake Urmia is the largest brine lake in the world and the second lake in the Middle East. Lake Urmia is located in the provinces of East Azerbaijan and West Azerbaijan.

Lake Urmia is the largest brine lake in the northwest of Iran. The measure of the lake reaches 140 kilometers from north to south and 85 kilometers from east to west. The lake is 1300 meters above sea level. Lake Urmia along with Kabudan Islands and Qoyundagi are protected areas.

Lake Urmia attracts many species of migratory birds such as phoenicopterus, pelican, ِducks, and heron. Because of the over-salinity of the lake, no fish live in this lake. This lake has a unique species of shrimp called Brine shrimp (Artemia). In addition to its wetlands, Lake Urmia has a high habitat, which also includes other species such as reptiles, amphibians, and mammals.

About 13 rivers run into the Lake Urmia that the largest of rivers is the Zarrin Rood. In case, Zarrin Rood is the principal supplier water of Urmia Lake.

Lake Urmia has been dying dramatically in recent years. The main reason for the drying of Lake Urmia is the change and deflection of the river's waterways. Other causes, like the reduction of rainfall, increase air temperatures, the use of groundwater in other places, and made big roads middle of the lake are reasons for dried. Drying of Lake Urmia had a negative effect on the population shrimps. Lake Urmia shrimp is a producer of lake algae. These shrimps are also the feed for bird migration. Lack of shrimp may lead to the loss of migratory birds in Urmia Lake.

In the summer, the Lake Urmia turns red. The reason for change lake color is the diminution of water and the extent of the lake. The small size of the lake makes it into red and orange colors due to the activity of microscopic creatures in the lake. The activities of bacteria and algae in the lake cause the lake to become red.

• What is the best time to go?

If you want to visit the lake in red color, you should go there during the warm summer season. But if you want to visit the having high water level lake, you should go there in the rainy season, like spring or autumn.

• Getting there?

It depends on where you are in Urmia. But you'll be on the road for about 30 minutes. If you like to cross by car through the middle of the lake, you must go to the Urmia Lake Bridge.