Everyone knows Ahvaz with its Karunesh River and Khuzestan is alive with this river; The River is considered to be the largest and most water-rich river in Iran and its name is tied to the ancient history and civilizations of Iran and its reputation is rooted in the culture of the region and its folk songs. It can be said that the existence of Karun River has made Ahvaz popular among tourists and the memorable nights of Karun tempt anyone to travel to this city. This great river divides Ahvaz into eastern and western parts and the shores of these parts have become a promenade and hangout for the people of the city. Karun is the only river in Iran that is connected to international waters and is about 950 km long and therefore is known as the longest river in Iran. Unlike other Iranian rivers, part of the Karun River was previously navigable and small ships could easily cross it. This long river joins the Persian Gulf and the Indian Ocean on one side and the Arvand River on the other, turning Khuzestan into a lush plain on its way.
Karun originates from the Zagros and Yellow Mountains of Bakhtiari Mountain in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Province, but several sub-branches of various mountains are also considered as its sources. Meanwhile, Dez River joins this river in the north of Ahvaz and in its winding route, it gives freshness and freshness to the surrounding lands until it branches into 2 branches at the beginning of Khorramshahr and one of these branches The Arvand River connects the Iranian-Iraqi border and the other to the Persian Gulf.
This large and water-filled river, in the distance between Qir Dam and Khorramshahr, has a large and deep area called Karun Bozorg, and in the past decades, in this part of the river, there is the possibility of ship traffic and transfer of commercial goods to the country’s international ports.
Historians’ studies have shown that the first great human civilizations of Iran were formed on the banks of this river, and even the name of Karun River is mentioned in ancient inscriptions as Kern, Karnak and Koohrang. Of course, some believe that the Karun River is the ancient Cupertos River. During the Qajar period, the Karun River attracted the attention of the British, who made it possible for ships to travel in Karun, and commercial and export goods were transported through this river for many years. Even now, this river has a prominent role in the daily culture of the people, and even the drinking water of the whole city is supplied from this river.
In recent years, several coastal boulevards have been built in the areas around the river, and now many programs are underway to create footpaths, water parks, river bank lighting, and a bird garden. However, the coastal roads of the Karun River are a place of nightlife for locals and tourists, and the lighting and amenities that have been built along the river have given the Karun River a spectacular atmosphere.
You must know that Ahvaz is known as the city of Middle Eastern bridges because 10 beautiful bridges have been built on the Karun River, most of which are among the city’s attractions. But the most prominent and popular of them is the White Bridge or Suspension Bridge, which is known as the symbol of Ahvaz. Walking on the White Bridge and watching Karun from this bridge is very enjoyable and exciting and is engraved in a part of the memories of almost all the residents of the city and all those who have ever traveled to Ahvaz. This bridge, which was built in 1315, has made Karun doubly attractive. Especially when it gets dark, the lighting around Karun creates a wonderful atmosphere, and at such hours you can stand on the bridge and watch the beauties of Karun and Ahvaz from other dimensions.
The oldest bridge over Karun is the Black Bridge, which was built about a century ago and is known as the Victory Bridge because it had a significant impact on the Allied victory during World War II. The bridge is so named because of its black foundations, and after a century it is still firmly in place.
If you want to see the most beautiful and spectacular view of Karun, you must sit on the seventh bridge to watch the dance of light and water. A large artificial waterfall has been built on this bridge, an example of which does not exist in the Middle East. Karun Nature Bridge connects the popular parks of the city, namely the beach park of Laleh Park, and is a good place for walking, relaxing and watching the views of Karun, and there are various restaurants nearby.
Apart from the seventh bridge or the bridge of dialogue of civilizations, other bridges such as the Ahvaz cable bridge with a decade of history have attractive and special features. The different design and architecture of this bridge has made it the largest cable-stayed bridge in the Middle East. Steel Industries Bridge, Naderi Bridge and the third, fifth and ninth bridges are other Karun bridges. It goes without saying that several dams have been built on Karun, including Karun 1, Karun 3, Karun 4, Masjed Soleiman, Gotvand Olya and Gotvand regulatory dams.
As Ahvaz is alive with Karun, it can be said that Ahvaz is awake with Karun at night. The nocturnal atmosphere on the banks of the Karun River is excellent. Finally, you should taste the delicious falafels, fish roe and kebabs of Ahvaz in one of its beach restaurants.
