Babek ChalabiUrmia Lake, situated between the East and West Azerbaijan provinces of Iran, is in the throes of an unprecedented environmental crisis. Once the largest saltwater lake in the Middle East and the sixth largest globally, the lake has dramatically shrunk in recent years. This environmental disaster has serious ecological, social, and political ramifications, notably on the Azerbaijani Turk population residing around the lake. This intricate interplay of environmental degradation and ethnic tensions could escalate into a broader crisis if not addressed comprehensively and equitably.
Situated near the borders of Turkey and Iraq, Urmia Lake is an ecological haven. Its unique brackish water is a habitat for various life forms, including the Artemia, a type of brine shrimp. The lake is also a crucial stopover for migratory birds. However, over the past few decades, the lake’s surface area has rapidly declined due to extended periods of drought, aggressive irrigation practices, damming of the rivers feeding the lake, and climate change.
Ethnic Tensions in the Face of Lake Urmia’s Desiccation
The desiccation of Urmia Lake brings with it grave environmental consequences. The shrinking lake results in a significant biodiversity loss, disrupting the region’s ecological balance. It also leads to salt storms, which spread the exposed salt from the lakebed over a vast area. These salt storms potentially render the surrounding lands infertile, dealing a massive blow to the agricultural sector in the region. Moreover, the storms increase the risk of respiratory and skin diseases among the local population.
Beyond its environmental repercussions, the crisis at Urmia Lake also presents a complex socio-economic and political landscape. The majority of the population around the lake comprises Azerbaijani Turks. Their livelihoods, heavily reliant on agriculture, fishing, and tourism, are now under severe threat due to the drying lake. Consequently, the crisis exacerbates social and economic hardships, amplifying feelings of marginalization amongst the Azerbaijani Turks.