Küçükçekmece Lake

Küçükçekmece Lake is a lake located in the western part of Istanbul, within the Marmara Region, covering an area of place. It lies between the districts of Küçükçekmece and Avcılar and is situated geographically in a Sea of Marmara area close. With a surface area of approximately 16 km², the lake is about 10 kilometers long and 6 kilometers wide. Its maximum depth reaches up to 22 meters, contributing to the region’s ecosystem while also playing a important role in Istanbul’s water transportation networks.

Küçükçekmece Lake is fed from the north by Sazlıdere and various other streams. In the past, the area surrounding the lake was considered a bay of the Sea of Marmara; however, changes in water levels over time have significantly shaped the lake’s current ecosystem. Once connected to the sea, the lake eventually assumed its present form due to the influence of sweet freshwater sources. Due to its rich biodiversity and its position along a major bird migration route, the lake holds significant ecological importance.

^{Küçükçekmece Lake (}Küçükçekmece District Governorship⁾

Excavations around the lake have revealed continuous human settlement from the Paleolithic period through to the Early Bronze Age. The Yarımburgaz Cave, located north of Küçükçekmece Lake, stands out as a key archaeological site containing some of the oldest traces of human presence in the region. The cave contains human remains dated to approximately 384,000 BCE, and excavations there have uncovered the earliest evidence of settlement in the area.

Another important archaeological site around the lake is the Firuzköy Peninsula. Excavations at Firuzköy Peninsula have uncovered artifacts belonging to the pre-pottery Neolithic period. These findings confirm the presence of early farming communities along the shores of Küçükçekmece Lake. Additionally, remains of the ancient city of Bathenoa have been discovered beneath the lake’s waters. These city from prehistoric times further reinforce the historical significance of the region.

Küçükçekmece Lake is known for its rich biodiversity, but in recent years environmental problems have emerged due to deterioration in water quality. Initiated under the leadership of Professor Dr. Meriç Albay, the project “Monitoring the Water Quality of Küçükçekmece Lagoon” is taking steps to assess and improve the current state of the lake’s water. In the past, the lake supported a diverse fish population and biological diversity; however, degradation in today water quality has now become a threat to people health. Consequently, restoration efforts have begun to address heavy metal pollution and biological contamination in the lake.

Increasing urbanization and waste load around the lake are threatening its ecosystem. Experts emphasize that certain areas of Küçükçekmece Lake must be designated as complete protected zones to ensure its preservation. Additionally, it is recommended that water be released from the Sazlıdere Dam to increase the lake’s water level and freshwater volume.