Shatt

Shatt commonly refers to Shatt al-Arab, a major waterway in southwestern Iran and southern Iraq. The word shatt in Arabic denotes a river channel, estuary, or shore, and al-Arab means “of the Arabs,” yielding a literal sense of “The River of the Arabs.” The river is a historic and strategic conduit in the Mesopotamian plain.

Geography and course: Shatt al-Arab is formed by the confluence of the Tigris and Euphrates near Qurnah, just north of Basra. It runs southeast toward the Persian Gulf, with a length typically cited in the range of 180 to 210 kilometers. The lower reaches form part of the maritime boundary between Iraq and Iran in places and flow through the Basra region, where it connects with extensive marshlands and the Al-Faw Peninsula. The waterway serves as a navigable channel for local shipping and access to the port facilities of Basra.

Hydrology and environment: The Shatt al-Arab’s freshwater input has fluctuated due to upstream damming and water management, contributing to salinity changes and sedimentation. Dredging and navigation-improvement efforts are common, but pollution, agricultural runoff, and seasonal variations affect water quality and ecosystem health.

Historical significance: The river has long been central to trade, settlement, and agriculture in Mesopotamia. In the modern era it became a focal point of conflict during the Iran–Iraq War, with battles along its banks and near Basra. The Shatt al-Arab continues to influence border delineation, resource management, and regional commerce in the Iraq-Iran region.

See also: Shatt al-Arab Basin, Basra, Tigris-Euphrates system.