I.

Introduction

Euphrates (Turkish, Firat, Arabic, Al Furāt), river in south-western Asia, rising in Turkey and flowing through Syria and Iraq before emptying in the Persian Gulf by way of the Shatt Al Arab. The Euphrates, along with the Tigris, provided much of the water that supported the development of ancient Mesopotamian culture. (Mesopotamia literally means “between the rivers” in Greek). However, centuries of neglect have relegated it to a comparatively smaller role. Much of the once rich, fertile plain through which the river passes is now barren.

Nevertheless, the Euphrates continues to be an important resource in the region, and its use is the cause of significant political tension. The length of the river is about 2,735 km (1,700 mi), with an average flow of 887,000 litres (195,000 gallons) per second (although seasonal variability is great) from a basin of 444,000 sq km (171,430 sq mi).