Major Rivers and Lakes of Iraq

Rivers

• Tigris: Originates in Turkey's Taurus Mountains, flows through northern Iraq, joins the Euphrates at Shatt al-Arab near Basra.
• Euphrates: Rises in Turkey, traverses Syria and Iraq, merges with Tigris to form Shatt al-Arab. One of the four biblical Eden rivers.
• Diyala: Tigris tributary from Iran's Zagros Mountains, joins Tigris near Baghdad.
• Karun: Primarily in Iran, with a stretch in eastern Iraq; Iran's only river reaching the Persian Gulf directly.

Lakes

• Lake Tharthar: Northwest of Baghdad, large freshwater reservoir formed by damming the Tharthar River.
• Lake Hammar: Southern Iraq near Nasiriyah; shallow, Euphrates-fed wetland of ecological importance.
• Lake Sawa: In Diyala Governorate; Iraq's largest lake, fed by the Diyala River, popular for recreation.

These water bodies are vital for Iraq's geography, water security, agriculture, and ecosystems.