Lake Aygır is a maar lake located within the borders of the Adilcevaz district of Bitlis province, on the southern foothills of Mount Süphan. It is approximately 6–8 kilometers from the district center and 130 kilometers from the Bitlis city center. The lake, situated at an altitude of 1942 meters above sea level, was formed as a result of the volcanic activities of Mount Süphan.

^{Lake Aygır (Erzurum Valiliği)}

Formation and Geomorphology

Aygır Lake is a typical maar lake. As a result of the blockage of the main cone belonging to Mount Süphan, the pressure exerted on the crust by the energy accumulated in the magma created new exit points (parasitic cones). The vapor pressure formed as a result of the rising magma contacting the underground water table led to violent explosions, resulting in the formation of a smooth circular depression. The lake in its current form was formed by the accumulation of underground and surface waters at the bottom of this basin.

The north-south length of the maar is approximately 1400 m, and its east-west direction is 1820 m, with the surface area of the lake within it being around 1.6 km². According to fishermen's statements, its deepest point reaches up to 20 meters. The surroundings of the lake are largely covered with pyroclastic materials (tuff, lapilli). The lake waters are fed by rain, snowmelt, and groundwater.

Hydrology and Ecology

The lake's water is fresh. Therefore, it is used both for drinking and irrigation purposes and also provides a habitat for various fish species. Species such as mirror carp, siraz, pearl mullet, and rainbow trout are found in Aygır Lake. The pearl mullet, endemic to Lake Van, adapts to the freshwater environment here, yielding larger specimens.

In terms of vegetation, steppe, mountain meadows, and Astragalus (milkvetch/tragacanth) are dominant around the lake. The forest cover has been largely destroyed due to anthropogenic effects. The uprooting of Astragalus for fuel and overgrazing are among the factors accelerating erosion.

^{Aygır Lake (Erzurum Valiliği)}

Areas of Use

Aygır Lake is used for irrigating agricultural areas and for the water needs of the Aydınlar (Süphan) settlement. Historical findings show that the lake has been utilized for irrigation purposes since the Urartian period. Today, the lake also contributes to the local people through angling and small-scale fish production facilities.

Tourism and Recreation

Aygır Lake is an important center for tourism due to its location south of Mount Süphan and its function as a camping and gathering point for mountaineers. There are picnic and recreation areas on the shores of the lake. In the summer months, swimming and camping in the lake are possible, and in winter, when the lake surface freezes, ice fishing can be done.

Photography, nature hikes, and ecotourism activities are common around the lake. Furthermore, the lake's landscape and clean air make the region attractive for local and foreign tourists.

Problems and Conservation

Aygır Lake is included in Turkey's Important Nature Areas list and is protected as a Wildlife Development Area. However, excessive water withdrawal from the lake, agricultural activities, erosion, overgrazing, and destruction of vegetation threaten the ecological balance. Additionally, wastewater from settlements around the lake and uncontrolled tourism activities also pose risks to the lake's future.