# Tigris

> river flowing from Turkey through Iraq and Syria

**Wikidata**: [Q35591](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q35591)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tigris)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/tigris

## Summary
The Tigris is a major river that flows from Turkey through Iraq and Syria, serving as a critical waterway in the region. It is one of the two principal rivers of Mesopotamia, alongside the Euphrates, and has been historically significant for agriculture, trade, and civilization.

## Key Facts
- **Length**: Approximately 1,900 kilometers (1,180 miles).
- **Source**: Begins in the mountains of southeastern Turkey.
- **Flow Path**: Flows through Turkey, Iraq, and Syria before emptying into the Shatt al-Arab estuary in the Persian Gulf.
- **Basin Area**: Covers parts of Turkey, Syria, and Iraq.
- **Tributaries**: Includes the Greater Zab and Little Zab rivers in Iraq.
- **Historical Significance**: Considered the cradle of ancient Mesopotamian civilization, home to cities like Babylon and Nineveh.
- **Modern Importance**: Supports irrigation, hydroelectric power, and transportation in the region.
- **Related Entities**: Flows through the countries of Turkey, Iraq, and Syria, which are all sovereign states with distinct political and cultural identities.

## FAQs
**What countries does the Tigris flow through?**
The Tigris originates in Turkey, flows through Iraq, and empties into Syria before reaching the Persian Gulf. These three countries are key to its hydrological and historical significance.

**What is the historical significance of the Tigris?**
The Tigris has been central to Mesopotamian civilization, supporting ancient cities like Babylon and Nineveh. It played a crucial role in early human development, including agriculture, trade, and the rise of early empires.

**How does the Tigris impact modern-day Iraq and Syria?**
The Tigris remains vital for irrigation, hydroelectric power, and transportation in Iraq and Syria. It supports agriculture, provides drinking water, and facilitates trade along its banks.

**What are the major tributaries of the Tigris?**
The Greater Zab and Little Zab rivers are significant tributaries that join the Tigris in Iraq, contributing to its flow and water resources.

**How does the Tigris relate to other major rivers in the region?**
The Tigris is one of the two principal rivers of Mesopotamia, alongside the Euphrates, which together form the fertile plains of the Tigris-Euphrates river system.

## Why It Matters
The Tigris holds immense historical, cultural, and economic significance. As the lifeline of Mesopotamia, it has been central to the development of ancient civilizations, including the Sumerians, Babylonians, and Assyrians. Today, it continues to support agriculture, energy production, and regional trade, making it a critical resource for the countries it flows through. Its strategic location has also made it a focal point in geopolitical dynamics, influencing historical and modern conflicts.

## Notable For
- **Historical Cradle of Civilization**: The Tigris was the heart of Mesopotamian civilization, giving rise to some of the world's earliest known cities.
- **Key to Mesopotamian Agriculture**: Its fertile plains supported early farming communities and the development of irrigation systems.
- **Cultural and Religious Significance**: The river has been central to religious practices and mythologies in the region, including those of ancient Mesopotamian deities.
- **Modern Economic Importance**: Supports hydroelectric power generation, irrigation, and transportation in Iraq and Syria.
- **Strategic Geopolitical Role**: Its flow through Turkey, Iraq, and Syria has made it a point of contention in regional conflicts and diplomacy.

## Body
### Geography and Flow
The Tigris originates in the mountains of southeastern Turkey, flowing through the country before entering Iraq. In Iraq, it receives significant tributaries, including the Greater Zab and Little Zab rivers, which enhance its water flow. The river continues through Syria before emptying into the Shatt al-Arab estuary in the Persian Gulf. This journey makes it a critical waterway for the countries it traverses.

### Historical Significance
The Tigris has been pivotal in the development of Mesopotamian civilization. Ancient cities like Babylon and Nineveh were built along its banks, and the river supported early agricultural practices, trade, and the rise of empires. Its historical importance is reflected in the region's rich cultural and religious heritage.

### Modern Importance
Today, the Tigris remains essential for modern-day Iraq and Syria. It supports irrigation for agriculture, provides hydroelectric power, and facilitates transportation. The river's strategic location continues to influence regional geopolitics, making it a key resource for the countries it flows through.

### Related Entities
The Tigris flows through three sovereign states: Turkey, Iraq, and Syria. Each of these countries has its own distinct political and cultural identity, but they all share a historical and geographical connection to the river. The river's flow through these nations has shaped their development and continues to impact their economies and societies.

### Cultural and Religious Significance
The Tigris has been central to the cultural and religious practices of the regions it flows through. It is associated with ancient Mesopotamian deities and has been a focal point for religious rituals and mythologies. Its historical significance is deeply embedded in the cultural heritage of the countries it traverses.

### Economic Impact
The Tigris supports various economic activities, including agriculture, hydroelectric power generation, and transportation. Its fertile plains have historically been crucial for food production, and today, it continues to be a vital resource for the economies of Iraq and Syria. The river's strategic location also makes it a key player in regional trade and geopolitical dynamics.

## References

1. [Source](https://github.com/JohnMarkOckerbloom/ftl/blob/master/data/wikimap)
2. OpenStreetMap
3. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
4. GeoNames
5. [Source](https://www.getty.edu/research/tools/vocabularies/tgn/)
6. Virtual International Authority File
7. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File
8. KBpedia