Joe HaTTab Explores the Threat to Iraq's Tigris and Euphrates Rivers
In his latest travel vlog, YouTuber Joe HaTTab takes us deep into the heart of Iraq, a country historically known as Mesopotamia, the "land between two rivers." Iraq's Tigris and Euphrates rivers, the lifeblood of this ancient civilization, are now facing a serious threat of extinction due to climate change, regional politics, and human activity. In the video, titled "Why Will the Tigris and Euphrates Disappear?" HaTTab explores the beauty of Iraq’s Al-Ahwar (Marshes) and
sheds light on the potential disaster if these rivers continue to dry up. The video offers a somber but crucial glimpse into Iraq’s environmental and ecological crisis.
The Ancient Cradle of Civilization in Danger
Iraq is home to the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, two iconic waterways that have supported life for thousands of years. These rivers were central to the rise of the Sumerian, Babylonian, and Assyrian civilizations and helped Iraq earn its reputation as the birthplace of human civilization. Yet today, the future of these rivers looks grim. As Joe HaTTab notes, they are rapidly drying up, and Iraq is at risk of becoming a "desert country" without these crucial water sources.
Al-Ahwar (The Iraqi Marshes)
HaTTab's journey begins in Nasiriya, where he explores the famed Al-Ahwar, or Iraqi Marshes. These wetlands, located in southern Iraq, are among the largest and most ancient marshes in the world, spanning approximately 20,000 square kilometers. Historically, Al-Ahwar was a flourishing ecosystem that supported diverse species of birds, fish, and animals while providing a livelihood for hundreds of thousands of marsh dwellers.
However, the Marshes are under threat as water levels in the Tigris and Euphrates continue to decline. Once lush and vibrant, these wetlands are increasingly becoming barren due to drought, water mismanagement, and political tensions over water resources.
Causes of the Water Crisis
Climate Change
Iraq is particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. As HaTTab explains, rainfall accounts for just 30% of Iraq's water resources, with the remaining 70% flowing from rivers originating in neighboring countries, particularly Turkey and Iran. Droughts and rising temperatures are making matters worse, as they decrease rainfall and intensify evaporation.
Dams and Water Control
One of the main culprits of Iraq’s water crisis is the damming of rivers in Turkey and Iran. HaTTab highlights the significant impact of the Atatürk Dam on the Euphrates and the Ilısu Dam on the Tigris, both located in Turkey. These massive projects have drastically reduced water flow downstream into Iraq. Additionally, Iran has built several dams on tributaries of the Tigris, further contributing to the depletion of water.
The construction of these dams has caused severe shortages in Iraq’s water supply, affecting not only the Marshes but also agriculture, power generation, and daily water needs. According to experts, if the situation does not improve, Iraq could face unprecedented environmental and humanitarian disasters by 2040.
The Life and Culture of Al-Ahwar’s People
Despite the grim outlook, HaTTab’s video captures the unique lifestyle of the Marshes’ residents. For thousands of years, the inhabitants of Al-Ahwar have lived in reed houses and used traditional boats called "Mashoof" to navigate the water channels. The people depend on fishing, buffalo farming, and producing dairy products like "Geymer" (cream) for their livelihoods.
HaTTab takes viewers through a local breakfast featuring Geymer with honey, a delicacy made from buffalo milk, which is sourced directly from the Marshes. He also samples Masgouf, the traditional grilled fish dish famous in Iraq. These foods not only sustain the local population but also represent centuries of tradition that are tied to the health of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers.
A Looming Crisis: The Shrinking Marshes
Throughout his journey, HaTTab shows the devastating impact of water shortages on the Marshes. Many areas are already suffering from severe drought, and the water bodies that once teemed with life are now drying up. As the rivers dry, the Marshes shrink, forcing many of the local inhabitants to abandon their homes in search of more sustainable environments. The depletion of these waters directly impacts the livelihood of the fishermen, farmers, and buffalo herders who have relied on this ecosystem for centuries.
The absence of water not only leads to displacement but also threatens Iraq's biodiversity, with many species of birds, fish, and animals at risk of extinction.
Potential Solutions: International Cooperation is Key
HaTTab stresses the importance of international cooperation in resolving Iraq’s water crisis. Political agreements between Iraq, Turkey, and Iran are crucial for maintaining the flow of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. Without such agreements, the future of these rivers—and the millions who depend on them—remains uncertain.
HaTTab suggests that diplomatic talks and regional water-sharing treaties could offer a path forward, allowing Iraq to secure enough water to prevent the collapse of its agricultural, ecological, and energy sectors. In addition, Iraq must also adapt to climate change by implementing sustainable water management practices, improving irrigation efficiency, and developing alternative water sources, such as desalination.
The Tigris and Euphrates: A Race Against Time
As HaTTab’s video demonstrates, the crisis facing the Tigris and Euphrates rivers is an urgent one. Without immediate action, Iraq’s rivers may dry up within the next two decades, transforming the region’s landscape and forever altering the lives of its people. The drying of the Tigris and Euphrates represents not only an environmental disaster but also a threat to Iraq’s cultural heritage, which has been tied to these rivers for millennia.
The solution lies in a combination of international cooperation, sustainable water management, and immediate action to address climate change. Only by taking these steps can Iraq hope to preserve its rivers, its Marshes, and the way of life that has endured for thousands of years.
Joe HaTTab's exploration of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers offers a poignant reminder of the fragility of our planet’s natural resources. His video underscores the need for urgent action to save Iraq’s rivers from disappearing and to protect the people, culture, and wildlife that depend on them. As he concludes, "Imagine Mesopotamia without Tigris and Euphrates." This is a reality that Iraq may face sooner than we think unless meaningful solutions are put into place.
For more insights into the current situation in Iraq’s Marshes and the broader Tigris-Euphrates crisis, you can watch Joe HaTTab’s full video here.