The Euphrates River empties into the Persian Gulf. This river recieves it’s water from rainfall and melting snow. The Euphrates River contains 52 species of fish. It has a long history that dates back to the early Dynastic periods. It has played a major role to those people who live along it’s course. This river flows from Asia through Turkey, Syria and into Iraq. It joins the Tigris River. It’s waters provides for a major source of irrigation. It is the largest river in the Middle East. In Ancient times, many cities lined the banks of the Euphrates River. Some of the city’s ruins still remain seen today. This river defines the area called Mesoptamia.
The Euphrates River is mentioned in the Bible several times with referencing to the “great river” or “the river.” The Euphrates River was formed by two rivers called the Muradsu and the Karasu. This river has a very strong current making it only navigable in its lower reaches. Some of the most greatest battles in history took place along the Euphrates River. The Bible states that the Euphrates River was one of the four rivers that flowed from the Garden of Eden. This river flows through deep canyons and narrow gorges where it enters the Syrian Desert and the plains of Iraq. This river supplies a major source of water for wheat and barley cultivation.
The Mesopotamia civilizations greatly depended on the water from the Euphrates River for survival. It has long played a major role in the development of many great civilizations. This river flows through the mountains and foothills of Southeast Turkey. There it supports woodlands that include oaks and pistachio trees. The soft-shelled turtle makes it home in the Euphrates River. The river valley is home to the wild boar. Modern river diverion structures have been built in the river system to allow and regulate the flow of the river reducing excess flood waters. More people now depend on this river for drinking water and electricity than in the past because irrigation systems and hydropower plants have been constructed. Pipelines than run from this river are able to transport water over long distances. Some areas of the river support fishing industries. Only a small part of the river falls within the borders of Kuwait. This river contributes to much of the production of wheat, oat and rye. It continues to remain a very important part of civilization today.
