Bendimahi Creek

Bendimahi Çayı is a river located within the boundaries of Van Province in Eastern Anatolia, Türkiye, flowing into Lake Van from the northeast. Originating from the Tendürek Mountains, the river traverses various valleys and canyons, primarily through the Muradiye district, over a course of approximately 50 kilometers before reaching Lake Van. The Bendimahi Delta formed by the river provides habitat for numerous bird species and serves as a spawning migration route for the Lake Van endemic fish, the İnci Kefali (Alburnus tarichi).

Bendimahi Çayı(Anadolu Agency)

Physical and Geographic Features

With a length of approximately 50 kilometers, Bendimahi Çayı is one of the significant surface water sources feeding Lake Van. Its course carves through a series of canyons and valleys, shaping the region’s topography. The river exhibits high discharge during spring months, while its flow decreases significantly in summer. The Bendimahi Valley, along the river’s path, exhibits a deepened structure with steep slopes.

Biodiversity and Endemic Species

The delta and surrounding area of Bendimahi Çayı host rich biodiversity. Wetlands serve as breeding grounds for duck species including the endangered marbled duck (Marmaronetta angustirostris), white-eyed pochard (Aythya nyroca), and white-headed duck (Oxyura leucocephala).

The river is one of the migration routes used by the endemic fish species İnci Kefali (Alburnus tarichi) for spawning. This species migrates from the saline-sodic waters of Lake Van into freshwater streams such as Bendimahi Çayı to lay its eggs.

Additionally, bird species such as the little bustard, little grebe, great crested grebe, Van Gull, and Hazar Grebe are frequently observed in the area. The delta also provides habitat for endemic terrestrial vertebrates including the lizard Darevskia bendimahiensis (Bendimahi lizard) and the rare rodent Myomimus setzeri (Setzer’s mouse).

Bendimahi Çayı (Anadolu Agency)

Cultural and Historical Structures

The Muradiye Bend-i Mahi Bridge, constructed during the Ottoman period in the 19th century, spans Bendimahi Çayı. Notable for its stone arch structure, the bridge is among Van Province’s important cultural heritage sites. Built with three arches, it facilitated both transportation and crossing over the river. Today, it is also recognized as a tourist attraction.

Muradiye Bend-i Mahi Köprüsü (İpekyolu Municipality)

Conservation Status and Measures

Although designated as an important natural area, Bendimahi Delta lacks formal protected status. However, it is classified as “critically dependent on conservation efforts.” During the spawning season of the İnci Kefali, monitoring is conducted through collaboration between the Nature Watch Association and the Gendarmerie to prevent illegal fishing, while local educational initiatives are also implemented.