Bandareh

Bandareh is a Persian word with multiple meanings, depending on the context and region in which it is used. Generally, it refers to a type of small, traditional dam or weir, often constructed in rivers or streams for irrigation purposes. These structures are usually made of natural materials like stones, branches, and earth.

The term can also refer more broadly to any obstruction or barrier in a waterway designed to divert or control the flow of water. In some rural areas of Iran and other Persian-speaking regions, "Bandareh" might also be used colloquially to describe a small reservoir or a pooled area of water created by such a dam.

Beyond its literal meaning relating to water management, "Bandareh" can sometimes be used metaphorically to describe an obstacle or impediment in a more general sense. This usage is less common than the primary meaning relating to irrigation structures.

The design and construction of Bandarehs are often simple and adapted to the local environment, utilizing locally available materials and traditional engineering knowledge. They represent a long history of water resource management in arid and semi-arid regions.