Band-e Mizan, also known as the Mizan Dam, is one of the most fascinating historical sites in Shushtar. Built during the Sassanid era, this ancient structure is part of the remarkable Shushtar Historical Hydraulic System, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Strategically located on the Karun River, the dam divides the waterway into two main branches — Shatit and Gargar — and plays a crucial role in controlling water flow and reducing pressure across the system.
Constructed using cut stones and a traditional mortar called Sarooj, Band-e Mizan exemplifies ancient Persian engineering mastery. Its primary function was to regulate water levels and ensure accurate distribution of water to irrigation canals and streams throughout the region.
The origins of Band-e Mizan trace back to the Achaemenid period, with final construction completed during the Sassanid dynasty. Positioned at a sharp bend of the Karun River where it meets the rocky northern edge of Shushtar, the dam was a key part of the industrial water complex built to manage agricultural needs and urban water supply before the advent of modern machinery.
This blue-hued structure is celebrated not only for its function but also for its integration into a larger system of dams, canals, mills, and tunnels — a true engineering marvel predating the Industrial Revolution.
Measuring 390 meters in length and about 4.5 meters in height, Band-e Mizan is built diagonally across a natural rocky bed. Its design follows that of a gravity (or weight) dam, utilizing the dam’s mass to resist the pressure of the water.
The dam’s original materials — hewn sandstone blocks bound with Sarooj mortar — have withstood centuries of use. In recent conservation efforts, parts of the structure have been covered with concrete to preserve it. Band-e Mizan is also credited with forming Shushtar’s famous “blue circle,” a unique water distribution feature that highlights the advanced hydrological planning of ancient engineers.
Today, this site is not only a significant historical landmark but also a symbol of ancient Persian precision in water management, attracting scholars and tourists alike.
Band-e Mizan is accessible year-round and is best visited during spring and fall, when the weather is more pleasant. It is located near other notable structures of the Shushtar Hydraulic System, making it easy to explore multiple ancient waterworks in one visit.
For further details on Band-e Mizan and its significance in ancient hydraulic engineering, you can visit the UNESCO – Shushtar Historical Hydraulic System
