Menua Shamiram Water Canal The Menua Shamiram Water Canal, extending nearly 50 kilometers, has been delivering fresh water from the Gürpınar plains to the Van Plain for an impressive 2,800 years. Built by Menua, the king of the Urartians who ruled between 810 BC and 786 BC, this advanced hydraulic structure was created to support continuous settlement in the mountainous area, which faced prolonged dry periods and was once richly forested. The canal is among several water engineering projects launched by Menua to convert the harsh terrain into productive farmland using innovative irrigation methods. Amazingly, many Urartian water engineering monuments, such as dams and irrigation channels, are still operational in the region today. Experts highlight that these ancient hydraulic works are exceptional and unlike any other water management systems found globally. This is especially noteworthy considering the region’s seismic activity, which has destroyed countless monuments from other civilizations, while Urartian constructions remain mostly preserved. The Menua canal continues to serve as a vital infrastructure, irrigating 5,000 hectares of farmland along its course and supporting agricultural life in the area. Its ongoing use reflects the innovation and engineering mastery of the Urartians, showcasing their extraordinary skill in adapting to and transforming their natural surroundings. For any questions or further information about Menua Shamiram Water Canal, please feel free to contact us at [email protected] or simply send us a message via Whatsapp, and we will reply promptly.