Zrebar Lake is one of the largest freshwater lakes in Kurdistan and Iran and is considered one of the most famous natural attractions in Kurdistan. This lake's source is a river flowing from the bottom of it and there is no river flowing into it from outside.

Zrebar Lake is 1290 meters above sea level and is 8 kilometers long (south-north) and 3 kilometers wide (east-west).

Stories About Zrebar Formation:

As for the creation of Zrebar Lake, there is a story among the locals that there was a city in the spot where Zrebar is now and its governor's name was "Failaqus". A Darwish and his pregnant wife go to this city on the back of a mule. The officers of Failaqus cut off the mule's tail and the woman fell down and she lost her infant. Darwish goes to the governor and complains. The governor answers him rudely. Darwish goes to the top of a high hill and begins to pray to God for this injustice. When he lifts his head from praying, he sees that the city has gone underwater and drowned, and Zrebar Lake forms. There is a tomb at the top of a mountain on the east side of the city which is known to be Darwish's tomb. This story has spread among the people of this region like this and many films have been made about it.

In fact, Zrebar Lake is one of the largest freshwater lakes in the world and based on research the history of its formation goes back to 20 thousand years ago. This lake is the most important tourist attraction in Marivan and Sna Province and every year many local and foreign tourists come to this place.

The Tourist Attractions of Zrebar:

One of the most interesting tourist destinations of this lake is the Garok Islands in the middle of the lake; Garok Islands are made of the trees' roots integration move on the water and sometimes touch one another due to the wind.

Another feature of this lake's tourist attractions is the birds' fly. Visiting Marivan and Zrebar Lake can be more interesting if one sees different kinds of birds such as "storks and ducks" that float on the water. "Flamingo" is also one of those beautiful birds that can be found in this lake.

There are also several species of special herbs in this region around the lake that are not known to many people.

There are many types of fish and animals such as "beaver" in this lake. (Beavers are very beneficial for Zrebar because they eat the dead fish floating on the water). There are also wildcats living around Zrebar.

Zrebar Lake is one of the financial sources for Marivan and it plays a great role in air conditioning this city's weather.

Some Interesting Points about Zrebar Lake

One of the most interesting things about Zrebar Lake is boat riding and people take motorboats or pedal boats to see the nature of the lake.

There is also a "Paraglider" to fly over the lake and if someone wants to do so they will ride a paraglider and look down at the beauty of the lake from the sky.

Grilled fish is one of the most popular dishes in Zrebar Lake for tourists. The food courts use different kinds of fish that are caught in Zrebar Lake.

Zrebar Lake was registered as a shelter for wildlife in 2009 and as a natural heritage in 2010 by Iran.

Zrebar Lake in Kurdish Literature:

The famous Kurdish poet, Nari, talked about Zrebar in one of his poems that he wrote for Sheikh Mahmoud Hafid:

As I am drowned in your suffering as if I am drowned in Zrebar

I do not need to think about the sufferings of my enemies or friends

Conclusion:

It is worth mentioning that this beautiful and attractive place in the East part of Kurdistan which is a tourist attraction for local people and foreign tourists is endangered. The swag that flows into Zrebar is very dangerous for the animals and birds living in Zrebar. Digging wells around Zrebar for agriculture purposes is also another threatening risk for the drought of this lake. The anti-nature people are continually burning the reed around the lake and every year they cause huge damage to the lake. These points and tens of other points can certainly result in the drought of this lake if they are not stopped immediately and the lives of the animals living in this lake will end.