Beyşehir Lake

Beyşehir Lake is located in southwestern Türkiye, within the boundaries of the provinces of Konya and Isparta. As a component of the Lake Region, it is the largest natural freshwater lake in Anatolia. The lake has a surface area of 651 km², stretches approximately 50 km in length from northwest to southeast, and varies in width between 14 and 26 km. Its elevation above sea level ranges from 1,115 to 1,121 metres, with an average depth of 8–9 metres and a maximum depth of approximately 10–12 metres.

Geological and Hydrological Structure

The lake lies within a tectonic depression surrounded by high mountain ranges including the Taurus Mountains, Anamas, and Sultan Mountains. Beyşehir Lake is fed by snowmelt, surface runoff, and groundwater. The lake’s waters flow naturally into Suğla Lake via the Beyşehir (Çarşamba) Creek.

Climate and Natural Life

Beyşehir Lake lies within a transitional zone between the Mediterranean and Central Anatolian climates. This characteristic results in high biodiversity in both flora and fauna. The lake’s surroundings are enriched with forested areas, reed beds, marshes, and wetlands. Forest species in the region include black pine, juniper, oak, and oriental beech. Fish species inhabiting the lake include carp, perch, catfish, bleak, and mirror carp.

Islands and Settlements

Beyşehir Lake contains approximately 30 islands of varying sizes and numerous rocky outcrops. The largest of these is Mada Island, which covers an area of about 8,220 hectares and contains arable land. Throughout history, the island has hosted various communities including Christian Greeks, Muslim Turks, Russian Kazakhs, Chechens, and Yörüks.

Remains of settlements from the Roman and Byzantine periods have been identified on several islands, with traces of fortresses, walls, temples, and harbors still visible. In modern times, settlement continues only on Mada Island.

Historical Development and Floods

The area around Beyşehir Lake has been inhabited since prehistoric times. The Erbaba Höyüğü, dating back to around 6,000 BCE, is an example of these early settlements. During the Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk, and Ottoman periods, the lake’s surroundings were influenced by diverse cultures.

Fluctuations in the lake’s water level have directly affected human settlement in the region. In the early 20th century, major floods between 1910 and 1911 were directly linked to the Konya Plain Irrigation Project. During these floods, approximately 30 villages and 25,000–30,000 decares of land were submerged. Such interventions in the lake’s natural regime have, over the long term, contributed to risks of desiccation.

National Park Status and Conservation

Beyşehir Lake and its surroundings were declared the “Beyşehir Lake National Park” on 20 February 1993. The national park covers an area of 88,750 hectares. It is of great importance for the conservation of biological diversity, the sustainable use of natural resources, and environmental education.

Birdwatching and Ecotourism

The lake is one of the most important stopover sites for migratory birds. Especially during September and October, large flocks of ducks, grebes, cormorants, storks, and gulls are observed over the lake. The first known breeding colonies of the Dalmatian pelican in Türkiye were discovered here. Although the lake’s surface partially freezes in winter, limiting its value as a wintering site, it remains critically important during migration periods.

From an ecotourism perspective, the lake’s surroundings are valued for nature walks, photography, birdwatching, and cultural heritage. Cultural tourism is enhanced by nearby sites such as the Eflatunpınar Hittite Water Monument, the ruins of Kubadabad Palace, and the Eşrefoğlu Camii.