Lakes

Lake Van

Situated in the Eastern Anatolian region, Turkey’s largest natural lake has an area of 3,713 sq km (1,485 sq mi), approximately equivalent to the size of Rhode Island.Set in a basin surrounded by lava-covered plateaus, its source is mountain streams and the only outlet is evaporation. This, in addition to irrigation runoff, has resulted in salt and mineral sediment build-up so extreme only one species of fish (Chalcalburnus tarichi) can survive here.

Lake Tuzgolu

Tuzgolu (Salt Lake) is the second-largest lake in Turkey located in Central Anatolia. It is shallow, with a depth of only 1 m (3 ft). There is no boat service across its 1,500 sq km (600 sq mi) surface. Salt extracted from this lake is sold in local markets, which adds to the economy of the surrounding area. With no outlet and only a few streams feeding it, the salinity of Tuzgolu is 32.4%.

Lake Beysehir

Also known as Kireli Golu, Lake Beysehir is the largest freshwater lake and reservoir in Turkey. It is teeming with aquatic life and is the most important source of water for consumption and irrigation in Central Anatolia.