The Zarivar Lake or as it is known locally, the Zaribar Freshwater Wetland is located in the beautiful province of Kurdistan, 3 km west of Marivan city. The lake is one of the largest freshwater lakes in Iran and is one of the most famous and beautiful natural attractions in the west of the country. The height of the lake is 1285 meters above sea level and it is surrounded by beautiful mountains of trees and pastures that give a unique effect to this lake. The lake is 5 km long and 1.6 km wide and its average depth is about 3 meters (between 2 and 5.5 meters) and this makes it easy to sail on it.
Age measurements performed on samples taken from the lake show that Zarivar wetland was created more than 20,000 years ago (Pleistocene period) in cold weather conditions.
The water of Zarivar Lake is supplied by boiling springs at its bottom, as well as rain and snow water. Zaribar Wetland is one of the most unique freshwater lakes in the world and has the general conditions of an international wetland. This lake has been registered in the list of natural heritage of Iran on February 11, 2011 with the number 102. Also, this wetland has been under the supervision of the Environment Organization since 2009 as a wildlife sanctuary.
The weather of this region is very abundant and pleasant in spring and summer and cold and dry in autumn and winter. In most winters, due to the cold weather and the freshness of the lake water, most of the surface of the lake freezes. However, due to the presence of spontaneous springs, about 60 points in the lake do not freeze. The approximate volume of water in this lake is 30 million cubic meters. The average rainfall in this region is 786 mm per year. The perimeter of the lagoon is about 22.5 km. Relative humidity is 58.4% and the average annual evaporation is 1900 mm. The water of Zarivar Lake is often light greenish brown. It has a normal and natural odor and no other odor that indicates gas escalation can be inhaled.
The original name of this lake in the past was “Zerubar”, which over time has changed to “Zaribar” and “Zarivar”. This name is a relic of antiquity and the Pahlavi language, which was spoken by the people of this region before Islam. “Zari” means lake and the suffix “war” means side, which are used together to mean by the lake.
Zarivar Lake is surrounded by high mountains with green slopes and beautiful pastures. The lake is located in the middle of a deep and long valley and its high mountains are surrounded by oak forests. In spring and summer, with the greening of nature around the lake and the heights overlooking it, the beautiful lake captivates the eyes and hearts of every viewer. On the shore of the lake, the roots of the plants are intertwined and placed on the water, which move like green and vibrant islands with the movement of water and wind on the lake. This region is one of the unique ecosystems of western Iran, which due to special climatic conditions, is the breeding ground for many plant and animal species. Floating plants such as Ceratophyllium and Ceriocilium, Oak, Hawthorn, Wild Almond, Wild Pear, Lotus, Blueberry, Seven Grass, Reeds, Ivy, Mint and Beech can be named as important plant species in the region.
The lake is home to a variety of native and non-native fish. Spotted blackfish, as well as bridal fish, are native to the lake, and carp and freshwater shrimp are non-native species inhabiting the lake. The presence of fish has led to a boom in fishing in this beautiful lake. This lake is one of the most important wetlands in the region and a habitat for native and migratory birds and one of the best bird watching sites. Herons, owls and cuckoos are among the birds you can meet in this beautiful lagoon. In addition to fish and birds, reptiles such as braids and mammals such as hounds, wild cats, boars, pigs, foxes, rabbits and jackals can also be seen around the lake.
There are currently more than 31 species of native and migratory birds living, of which approximately 14 are native species and the rest are migratory bird species. Among the valuable birds of this region, we can name the green duck, Butimar, Changar, sea turtles, gray herons, birds of prey such as Deliche and Songhar. It should be noted that the mentioned species, especially birds, do not include all birds in the lagoon, but include birds that are in the majority and can be seen and recognized by individuals. These families are important in classifying wetlands.
The suitable bed of Zarivar Lake and the existence of different species of fish in this water area, has made fishing here one of the fascinating pastimes. Many go fishing early in the morning so they can try their luck and return home full. Of course, fishing is not possible in certain seasons of the year in Zarivar Lake. The suitable atmosphere of Zarivar Lake for fishing has caused this place to host the first International Festival of Tourism and Sport Fishing in 1397 AH with the presence of participants from 9 foreign countries.
Zarivar Lake is one of the gathering places of Marivan people for holding various local ceremonies and happy wars. If you are a fan of the culture of the people of Kurdistan, listen to the ceremony here because you can enjoy watching the beautiful Kurdish dance and their colorful costumes along with the happy and attractive local music by participating in these festivals.
Interesting stories about this lake are common among the natives of the region, inherited from their ancestors and ancestors. According to locals, the lake actually protects a mythical treasure that is buried at the bottom of the lake and has not been found to date. According to this narration, the name of the lake also comes from Zar (means Gold in Persian), which refers to this hidden treasure. Some even believe that there is a complete and untouched city under this lake! Some believe that not only is there a treasure hidden at the bottom of the lake, but in the distant past, there was a large underground city where people lived.
In autumn and winter, Marivan and Zarivar have cold and dry weather, but the air in the region is cool and temperate in spring and summer, and the average temperature does not exceed 24.5 degrees on the hottest days. These two seasons are the best time to tour the lake.
