Kebar Dam

The Kebar Dam, located on the Kebar River near the town of Qom in Iran, is a significant archaeological site as it represents the oldest surviving arch dam. Constructed by the Mongolians around 1300 CE, this masonry arch dam was an innovative engineering feat of its time, showcasing early advanced water management techniques. Originally built to stand at 24 meters tall, the dam was later modified in the 17th century with an additional 2 meters to enhance its capacity for irrigation water supply. The dam features a 35-meter radius arch with a 45-degree angle, supported by wing walls that serve as abutments. Despite the reservoir being mostly filled with silt today, the structure remains a testament to the Mongolians' architectural ingenuity and their contributions to infrastructure development during the Late Post-Classical Period.