Türkiye’s largest, Lake Van under threat: Significant water loss recorded
Duck on the banks of Lake Van, Türkiye largest lake, on March 20, 2025. (IHA Photo)
Van Lake, the largest lake in Türkiye, is facing a serious water loss due to the climate crisis and drought in recent years.
Spanning an area of 3,713 square kilometers, the lake is experiencing a significant threat due to rapidly receding waters. In recent years, severe evaporation, increasing drought, reduced rainfall, and changing rainfall patterns in the Van Lake basin have caused the lake’s water level to drop quickly.
This water loss in Van Lake is not only affecting humans but also having a negative impact on the region’s other living creatures, its ecology at large.
Birds forced to migrate
As the waters recede, many bird species, including flamingos, have been forced to migrate to other regions due to the drying of certain areas.
Nature observer Murat Cinardali, in his recent studies, pointed out that Van Lake has significantly receded. Çınardalı mentioned:
“Previously submerged microbiolites have now surfaced due to this recession. These areas host numerous bacteria and microorganisms, creating an essential habitat for birds. Over the past few months, I have observed the concentration of new bird species such as the teal and the long-legged. This has created a new visual spectacle at Van Lake. Although the lake’s recession is unfortunate, we are happy to witness these new bird species.”
While the loss of water in Van Lake is concerning, it has also resulted in new ecological developments, including the emergence of new bird species, adding complexity to the ongoing environmental challenges.
