Lake Dukan

Quick Facts

• Type: Reservoir
• Area: About 270 km²
• River: Little Zab
• Location: Sulaymaniyah Governorate, Iraq

Overview

Lake Dukan is a large reservoir formed by the Dukan Dam on the Little Zab River. It is one of the biggest lakes in the Kurdistan Region and plays a key role in irrigation and hydropower.

The reservoir is also a scenic destination, with hills and inlets that create a varied shoreline.

Landscape and Culture

The lake supports fishing and seasonal recreation, and nearby towns use it as a major water resource. Its setting in the foothills of the Zagros makes it a popular summer escape.

Notes

The Dukan Dam was completed in the late 1950s and remains a critical part of the region’s water infrastructure.