Lake Van

Undoubtedly the most conspicuous feature on the map of southeastern Turkey is Lake Van or Van Golu in Turkish. Formed by a volcanic explosion of Mount Nemrut near the province of Van that blocked its natural outflow, Lake Van is the largest lake in Turkey, the second largest in the Middle East, and also the biggest sodium water lake in the world. It covers an area of 3 755 km² and reaches 119 km across at its widest point.

The lake lies near the border with Iran on the high grounds of Eastern Anatolian region and is situated 1719 meters above sea level. Lake Van has a triangular shape and is divided into two main sections: smaller and shallower northern tip, and southern part, which is the main body of water. The northern shores are steep and full of cliffs and the southern shores are generally eroded plains. Receiving water from numerous small streams that descend from the surrounding mountains, Lake Van is now highly saline. Also, its water level is now maintained by evaporation resulting in a high mineral concentration and extreme alkalinity: clothes washed in the lake come clean without soap and its water is not suitable for drinking or irrigation. Also, this is the reason why only a limited number of species inhabit Lake Van. During winter months Lake Van reaches its lowest level, and rises after the spring due to melting snow from surrounding mountains. The lake is surrounded by grain-growing agricultural areas and its surrounding has the typical fauna of the region. The beaches at Gevas and Edremit are good for a swim. Still, don’t go in if you have a sunburn or open cuts or sores as the alkaline water will burn them intensely.