Lake Orumieh, or Urmia, in northwestern Iran, was once one of that country's most beautiful natural wonders. Now, shrunk by drought and mismanagement of rivers, the lake is better known as an environmental disaster. (photos by Abbas Atilay, RFE/RL's Azerbaijani Service)
Orumieh, Iran's Dying Lake
5
Areas that used to be underwater are now accessible by car.
6
Stranded boats line what used to be the lake’s shores some six kilometers from the nearest water.
7
8
Salt drifts have accumulated in the dry lake bed.