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Tigris River
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Tigris River in Baghdad Tigris River marshland in southern Iraq Physical map of Iraq highlighting major rivers such as the Tigris and Euphrates, key lakes, mountain ranges, and deserts within the country's borders. Neighboring countries including Turkey, Iran, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Syria are shown. An inset locator map in the bottom left corner indicates Iraq's position within the Middle East. Map showing the Tigris and Euphrates river basin and its drainage network across Turkey, Syria, and Iraq, with color shading for elevation, major dams, canals, lakes, and boundaries with neighboring countries. The green areas indicate lower elevations along the river valleys, while higher elevations are shaded in brown and orange. A small locator map in the corner shows the basin's position within the Middle East.
Quizzes
Tower Bridge over the Thames River in London, England. Opened in 1894. Remains an Important Traffic Route with 40,000 Crossings Every Day.
Guess the City by Its River Quiz
water glass on white background. (drink; clear; clean water; liquid)
Water and its Varying Forms
Tomb of Mohammed Bin Ali, Salalah, Oman.
A View of the Middle East
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Tigris River

river, Middle East
Also known as: Dicle, Dijla, Hiddekel, Idiklat, Tigra, Trigres(Show More)
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Tigris River in Baghdad
Tigris River in Baghdad The Tigris River flowing through Baghdad.

The Tigris River is a major waterway in the Middle East, flowing approximately 1,180 miles (1,900 km) through Turkey and Iraq before uniting with the Euphrates River to form the Shatt al-Arab, which then empties into the Persian Gulf. The Tigris and Euphrates river system is historically significant as it encompasses Mesopotamia, considered one of the cradles of civilization. This region saw the early development of agriculture, writing, and urban societies, supported by the fertile soil created by the rivers' annual floods.123

Environmental concerns, such as soil salinization from intensive irrigation and altered water flow due to dams, pose challenges to the region's sustainability. The river system also plays a crucial role in the geopolitics of Turkey, Syria, and Iraq, as it is vital for agriculture and has historically been a source of regional tension.3

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
5 Britannica Sources
  1. Tigris-Euphrates river system: Top Questions
  2. Tigris-Euphrates river system - General considerations
  3. Tigris-Euphrates river system - Hydrology
  4. Tigris
  5. Tigris-Euphrates river system

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