Bastora Dam completed in Erbil, expected to boost agriculture, fisheries, and tourism

ERBIL – The Kurdistan Regional Government announced the completion of the Bastora Dam on Monday during a ceremony led by Prime Minister Masrour Barzani. The newly built dam is expected to significantly benefit the region’s agriculture, fishing industry, and tourism.

Located near the site of an ancient water project initiated by Sennacherib, the king of the Neo-Assyrian Empire around 2,700 years ago, the dam stands as a modern counterpart to ancient water management efforts. In 705–681 BC, Sennacherib addressed water shortages at the Erbil Citadel by transporting water from the Xani mountains, 55 kilometers away—a system rediscovered in 1933 that is now regarded as an archaeological treasure.

At the ceremony, Prime Minister Barzani acknowledged the historical significance of the location, drawing connections between Sennacherib’s ancient project and the modern dam. “I am pleased to witness the completion of this project, which was started just over a year ago,” Barzani said. He emphasized the dam’s role in boosting agriculture and the fishery sector, while benefiting Kurdistan’s climate and the tourism industry.

Barzani also mentioned plans to further develop tourism around the dams in the region, with the Bastora Dam expected to attract visitors. The dam stands 30 meters high, 180 meters wide, and 630 meters long, with a storage capacity of 20 million cubic meters of water.

Sheikh Baz Barzinji, a prominent figure in the Kurdistan Region’s energy sector, was commended by Barzani for his leadership and commitment to the dam’s construction.

The Kurdistan Region is home to several other major dams, including Dukan Dam, the largest, with a capacity of 52 million cubic meters, and Darbandikhan Dam, located 65 kilometers southeast of Sulaymaniyah on the Sirwan River, serving purposes such as power generation, agriculture, and tourism.