RSS
|
|
|
The Botan River ( , Botan Suyu aka Uluçay) is a tributary of the Tigris River in Siirt Province of southeastern Turkey. It originates in the high mountains west of the Nordüz Plateau, which form the border of Siirt Province to Hakkari and Van, and flows eastwards before it turns to the northwest. The river has shaped a canyon on its way. The altitude difference between the valley and the top of the mountains reaches about 1000 m (3280.8 ft). The rivers Çatak and Büyükdere join it at Çukurca in Hakkari Province, after which it is named Botan Suyu (Uluçay). Running westwards by east of Aydınlar and Siirt, it reaches Bostancık locality. Here, the rivers Zorava and Bitlis join the Botan. Finally at Çattepe in Siirt Province, it joins the Tigris River, after which the Tigris sharply turns southwards. The discharge of Botan River from spring to mid-summer averages about 100 - 300 m³/s (3,500 - 11,000 cu ft/s), while it reaches in April and June about 400 - 600 m³/s (14,000 - 21,000 cu ft/s, and in May it peaks at about 700 - 1,000 m³/s (25,000 - 35,000 cu ft/s and sometimes more. At this time, it looks much bigger than the Tigris River. At the end of summer or in the fall, its depth is not less than 1 m (3.3 ft), and its outflow not less than around 60 - 80 m³/s (2,100 - 2,800 cu ft/s). Crossing is only possible by boat. The river runs in narrow, deep and steep valleys. Lowlands are rare on its way, preventing it use for irrigation. |
