Sarab-e Kosar Lake; a scenic hub for leisure, sports in Qorveh
Qorveh, located in Kurdistan Province, is a lesser-known city nestled in the heart of mountains and plains. Its mysterious secrets remain hidden in the dust of time — from the legendary stone dragon and the bubbling springs that refresh the earth’s soul to the ancient historical traces engraved on the silent walls of the city.
On the brink of infrastructure development and investment attraction, Qorveh is ready to reveal its full beauty once again.
Sarab-e Qorveh Lake, also known as Sarab-e Kosar, is a shining gem in the middle of the plain, reflecting the historical life of the city. Fed by multiple springs beneath it, the lake’s cool waters have long quenched the thirst of local residents and irrigated surrounding farmlands. Today, beyond meeting daily needs, it serves as a major center for relaxation and tourism.
Qodratollah Seifpanahi, the mayor of Qorveh, told ISNA that Sarab-e Kosar Lake, as one of the county’s most important natural and tourist assets, is undergoing development of recreational and service infrastructure. The municipality is fully prepared to attract investors to the complex.
Highlighting Sarab-e Kosar’s special status, Seifpanahi noted, “This valuable natural site is located next to Kulabad Mountain. For years, besides supplying agricultural water, it has served as a tourism and recreational center for the people of Qorveh, neighboring cities, and provinces.”
He added that Sarab-e Kosar Lake covers 44 hectares. This year, a ring road was constructed around the lake to reduce traffic congestion and enable visitors to travel around the lake by car, bicycle, or on foot. Completing this ring road is a priority project planned for the year 1405 in the Iranian calendar.
The mayor also announced the construction of a second basin on the lake’s eastern side, explaining that the land belongs to the Education Ministry and that preparations for handover are complete, with construction to begin soon.
Referring to the recreational and sports development plans, Seifpanahi said, “We are building a beach volleyball court, a beach wrestling area, and other sports facilities to establish Sarab-e Kosar Lake as a comprehensive recreational and sports center in western Iran.”
He emphasized private sector investment as a municipality priority, stating that Qorveh has ample land around the lake for restaurants, eco-tourism accommodations, and service centers. “We invite all local and non-local investors to participate while respecting municipal regulations. We are fully prepared to allocate land and issue necessary permits.”
Regarding water management challenges, the mayor explained that cooperation with farmers is key: the lake’s water belongs to nearby farmers, but the municipality also uses it. Occasionally, closure of the outlet valve causes water levels to rise, damaging walkways; negotiations are underway to resolve this issue.
Seifpanahi also highlighted tourists’ need for welfare facilities, saying, “One significant gap is the lack of restaurants and accommodations. Investors’ proposals for eco-tourism lodges have been strongly welcomed.”
He announced the municipality’s plan to establish a tourism market, adding, “At least 10 booths for selling cultural and food products will be constructed on the lake’s western side. Despite some delays due to economic conditions, this project remains part of our development plan.”
He concluded by noting that Sarab-e Kosar Lake is a unique asset for tourism development in Kurdistan Province. With cooperation from the private sector, government bodies, and cultural heritage organizations, it has the potential to become one of the region’s key recreational and economic hubs.