Ancient road to Carpanak Island resurfaces amid Türkiye’s Lake Van drought

As the water levels of Lake Van continue to recede due to drought and intense evaporation, a hidden archaeological marvel is coming into view—an ancient 1-kilometer stone-paved road that once connected the mainland to Carpanak Island is now nearly 60% exposed.

Once submerged beneath the expansive waters of Lake Van, this historic road, believed to have served both religious and logistical purposes for centuries, is drawing attention from archaeologists and historians. The parts that still remain underwater have also become increasingly visible in recent months.

Ancient infrastructure beneath Türkiye’s largest lake

Lake Van, Türkiye’s largest lake, is home to several islands, the most prominent of which is Carpanak Island. Adorned with the medieval Ktouts Monastery and renowned for its rich natural beauty, the island welcomes thousands of visitors annually. Now, the ancient road connecting it to the shore is becoming a striking symbol of the changing climate.

Archaeological surveys reveal that this road was likely built with stones wide enough to accommodate horse-drawn carriages, suggesting that it played a vital role in transporting goods and people to the monastery.

Roots trace back to the Urartians

Professor Rafet Cavusoglu, head of the Archaeology Department at Van Yuzuncu Yil University, highlighted the ancient origins of the region’s infrastructure. He noted that the Urartians—an Iron Age civilization that flourished around Lake Van—actively used the lake basin for transportation and settlement.

“From Van to Tatvan, many Urartian fortresses were built along the lakeshore,” Cavusoglu explained. “We know that there was a settlement facing Carpanak Island during the Urartian period, and transportation was established both by land and by lake.”

Medieval importance and monastic life

According to Cavusoglu, the island gained strategic and religious importance in the Middle Ages, particularly from the ninth century A.D. when the Ktouts Monastery was established.

“The road appears to have been constructed to allow horse carts to transport supplies to the monastery,” he said. “Although only the church section of the monastery remains today, historical records indicate it remained active until the 19th century.”

Climate crisis uncovers ancient pathways

The re-emergence of the ancient road is yet another consequence of the ongoing droughts in the region. As the shoreline continues to pull back, more of the stone-paved route is expected to surface.

If water levels continue to drop, Carpanak Island could soon become fully accessible by foot—reconnected to the mainland for the first time in centuries.