Band-e Amir Dam

🕰️When was it built?

Azod al-Dowleh of the Buyid dynasty built the dam in the 4th century AH (10th century) to bring water to the higher lands of Korbal. It was used and repaired in later periods too, and travellers' accounts of its state differ from century to century.

🏛️What was it built for?

The dam raised the level of the Kor River so the water could be used for irrigation, and a bridge sits on the same structure. Historic descriptions of the complex mention ten waterwheels beside the reservoir that lifted water higher to irrigate the fields of the villages around.

👀What you will see

• Thirteen openings with pointed arches carry the bridge on top of the dam.
• The body is built of stone blocks and mortar, and lead joints were also used in the foundations.
• The crossing on top of the structure was about 107 metres long and 5.5 metres wide.
• On the west side of the dam lie the village of the same name and mounds that hold the remains of an older settlement.

💡Something interesting

The dam takes its name from the amir who built it, and it has also been called Band-e Azodi. A village of the same name on the west side of the dam has been recorded since the early 19th century; the names of the village and the dam go together.

🎒Good to know before you go

• Notice the difference between the dam below and the row of bridge arches above; the structure did both jobs.