Lake Burdur

Burdur Lake is a saline and soda lake of tectonic origin, located within the boundaries of Burdur Province in southwestern Türkiye, with a closed basin. Its surface area varies over time due to factors such as evaporation and water loss, measuring approximately 250 km² during the 2000s. In addition to being the seventh largest lake in Türkiye, it is also one of the country’s deepest lakes, with a maximum depth of 110 m. It lies at an elevation of 845 m above sea level.

Photo of Burdur Lake:Ali İhsan Gökçen

GEOLOGICAL AND HYDROLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS

The formation of Burdur Lake is linked to tectonic subsidence associated with the Western Anatolian graben system. Due to its closed basin structure, the lake has no outflow and loses water solely through evaporation. It is fed by groundwater seepage and a limited number of streams. The high concentrations of sodium sulfate, magnesium, and salts in the lake water give it distinct ecological and chemical properties. This condition allows only certain specialized organisms to survive in and around the lake.

ECOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Burdur Lake serves as a habitat and wintering ground for numerous bird species, most notably the White-headed Duck (Oxyura leucocephala). Designated as internationally significant under Ramsar criteria, the lake is a critical conservation area for endangered species. The lake and its surroundings are also important for endemic plant species, plankton, and microscopic organisms.

Burdur Lake (PEXELS)

ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS AND DRYING RISK

In recent years, significant water loss has been observed in Burdur Lake. Since the 1970s, water levels have dropped by as much as 17 meters. The primary causes of this decline are excessive extraction of groundwater for agricultural irrigation, the construction of dams and weirs on the rivers feeding the lake, reduced precipitation due to climate change, and increased evaporation. According to reports prepared by Mehmet Akif Ersoy University, the lake has lost up to 35% of its surface area since 2002.

CONSERVATION EFFORTS

Various public institutions, civil society organizations, and universities are conducting initiatives to prevent the lake from drying up. Key priorities include protecting the water sources feeding the lake, raising public awareness, and implementing legal regulations. Stakeholders such as the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, DSİ, Doğa Derneği, and the Department of Biology at MAKÜ are actively involved. Under the “Burdur Lake Must Not Dry Up” project, public awareness campaigns are being carried out to address excessive water consumption, unsustainable agricultural practices, and unregulated groundwater use around the lake.

TOURISM AND CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE

Burdur Lake is regarded as a tourist attraction not only for its natural beauty but also for the ancient cities in its vicinity, such as Sagalassos and Kibyra. Walking paths, viewing terraces, and birdwatching points along the lake shore are visited by both domestic and international tourists. Additionally, under the Rose Road Project, a natural and cultural route is being planned to connect Burdur Lake with Lake Salda.