The name of the river Kurderes comes from the Turkish words (kurt-deresi), in translation “wolf stream”. It sprang from Baba mountain and was a blend of the rivers flowing from the villages Brusnik, Lavci, and some smaller streams.
On some of the old photos of Bitola, it can be seen that at certain times of the year, the river was full of water, especially in its lower part, before entering the river Dragor.
Kurderes River played an important role in the protection of the city against floods that have been common in the past. With the construction of the collection channel for Strezevo Lake, these waters were regulated and the bed of Kurderes river lost its function.
Large part of the year the canal had an insignificant amount of water and often dried during summer. It became an open canal that spread unbearable smell and was a source of contagious diseases. Thus, in 1975/1976 a sewage system was installed and the Kurdeous riverbed was completely covered.
Today the river can’t be seen, and above its river bed is Solunska street. At the place where Solunska street crosses with Shirok Sokak street, in the time when the river flowed, there was a Stone bridge, so the location today still carries that name.
