Since 2014, the Euphrates River has been drying up. Located in the Middle East’s fertile crescent, the Euphrates has been a key freshwater source for thousands of years and for dozens of different civilizations. Due to the drought affecting the river and surrounding area, many have been forced to leave the place their family has called home for centuries.

The Euphrates is at a considerable risk of drying up due to climate change in Syria. Compared to 100 years ago, the average temperatures of the country have increased by one degree Celsius, and rainfall has decreased on average as well. Scientists from the Iraqi Ministry of Water Resources determined that the river will be completely dry by 2040, resulting in massive dehydration and migration all over the country, as people search for a new water source. Since Syria shares the river with Türkiye and Iraq, political tensions have arisen over the fate of the river.

Many historians have tried to pinpoint the true location of the Garden of Eden, the garden where Adam and Eve lived before God exiled them in the Bible’s Book of Genesis. Many postulate that the garden is where the Euphrates River meets the Persian Gulf, but it is not confirmed. 

The drought, however, has led to the astonishing discovery of an ancient city underwater. Known today as Zakhiku, it is believed to have been constructed in the Mittani Empire between 1600 and 1260 years before the Common Era. Once it reemerged in June, 2022, it was used for quick research since it was unknown when the water levels would rise again. The discovery of Zakhiku also fulfills a major prophecy from thousands of years ago stated in the Bible’s Book of Ezekiel, where God says he will rise the waters to destroy the cities.

It is strange to think that there might be more to the river than just the water. With the waters continuously drying up, there may be many more jaw-dropping discoveries from the great Euphrates River to unpack. In the face of these magnificent discoveries, humanity will continue to struggle as the drought will lead to fearful human consequences.