uruümis

Uruümis is an island located in the northeastern part of Azerbaijan, directly adjacent to the Russian border. It is situated in the delta of the Kur River, together with several other small islands. The size of the island can vary depending on the tide, from a high point of slightly over 10 hectares to as little as 4 hectares. The generally low-lying and wetland nature of the island makes it rather vulnerable to the changes in sea levels and the mainland’s sedimentation.

The area around the island is predominantly interspersed with saltwort steppe and flooded grasslands, hosting a diverse range of flora and fauna. Notably, it serves as a habitat for waterfowl as well as being an important site for the microflora and soil organisms.

The approximately 20-meter wide and up to 6.5-meter deep dredged channel has created a form of artificial lake-like body of water that acts as a confluence for the waters in and around the area. Historically, the religious views towards Uruümis, along with other areas in the delta, are varied, incorporating multiple conflicting narratives and interpretations over time.

The status and condition of Uruümis is often directly impacted by a combination of natural and anthropogenic factors such as variations in water levels, fisheries, partially industrialized activities, agricultural use of land, and on an ongoing basis, generally urban negative impacts, based on the fastest development scenarios available.