Lake Çıldır is the largest freshwater lake in turkiye's Eastern Anatolia Region and the second largest lake in turkiye. Located on the borders of Ardahan and Kars provinces, the lake covers an area of approximately 123 km² and is situated at an altitude of 1959 meters above sea level. As a naturally formed volcanic barrier lake, Lake Çıldır is fed by the surrounding streams and springs, while it transfers water to the Arpaçay via the Telek Creek located to its northwest.
From an ecosystem perspective, Lake Çıldır boasts a rich structure and is home to various fish species, most notably the mirror carp. In the winter months, traditional Eskimo-style fishing is practiced on the lake by breaking the ice for fishing. Additionally, various touristic activities such as horse-drawn sleigh rides, ice skating, and traditional sporting events are carried out on the frozen surface of the lake.
In the summer months, canoe and sailing competitions organized on the lake also diversify regional tourism. With its natural beauties and cultural values, Lake Çıldır serves as an important ecotourism center that offers visitors different experiences in every season.
Lake Çıldır (Ali Murat Çoruk, Türkiye Kültür Portalı)
Formation and Geomorphology
Lake Çıldır is a naturally formed volcanic barrier lake. It is located at an altitude of 1959 meters above sea level and covers an area of approximately 123 km². Geologically, the lake bed is shaped by relatively young tuff layers from the Oligocene period, andesite, and basalt flows, bearing traces of volcanic activity. The formation of a barrier by lava flows from the surrounding mountainous areas in the northern section contributed to the lake's present structure. Additionally, influenced by tectonic movements, the lake exhibits an active structure both hydrologically and geomorphologically.
Numerous streams and springs feed Lake Çıldır. Its most important outlet is the Telek Creek located in the northwest, which connects to the Arpaçay near the Armenian border. The lake has very limited vegetation around it, and the pastures surrounding it facilitate intensive livestock farming. In winter, when the lake is completely frozen, it is covered by an ice layer approximately 40-50 cm thick; this condition has significant impacts on both the ecosystem and the economic activities in the region. In summer, as temperatures rise, the water level of the lake can vary. Moreover, due to climate change and irregular rainfall patterns, the lake level experiences periodic fluctuations, directly affecting the ecological balance of the lake.
Habitat
Lake Çıldır hosts many species of fish and invertebrates adapted to freshwater. Among the most dominant fish species in the lake is the mirror carp, and in addition, there are various species such as trout, silver fish, red-wing, pike, and catfish. However, due to uncontrolled fishing and changes in the lake level, declines have been observed in the populations of some species.
In the winter months, the surface of the lake is covered by an ice layer approximately 40-50 cm thick. During this period, the oxygen level in the lake decreases, which may complicate aquatic life. However, thanks to the lake ecosystem’s ability to adapt, the fish species spend the winter in the relatively warmer waters beneath the frozen surface. Moreover, ice fishing continues as a traditional economic activity for the local people.
Lake Çıldır Mirror Carp Fishing (Photo: T.C. Çıldır Kaymakamlığı)
The area surrounding the lake is generally covered by pasture ecosystems and wet meadows. Due to the scarcity of arable land, the most common human activity in the region is livestock farming. The wet meadows provide suitable grazing areas, especially for large and small livestock. Because of the region's harsh continental climate, forested areas are limited. However, there are sparse shrublands and cold-climate plants around the lake. In the summer, the vegetation along the lake shore increases, while in the winter, due to the snow cover, plants largely enter a dormant period.
Swans Floating on the Lake (Photo: Gülcan Acar, Türkiye Kültür Portalı)
Lake Çıldır is an important resting and feeding area for migratory birds. The lake and its surroundings are known as a significant center for birdwatching. Particularly in the spring and summer, species such as ducks, cormorants, wild geese, and seagulls can be observed on the lake. The lake is also important as a breeding and feeding area for some endangered bird species. When much of the lake freezes during the winter, most waterbirds migrate, while some resilient species continue to remain around the lake. The reduction of wetlands, global warming, and human activities are among the factors threatening the balance of this ecosystem.
International Golden Horse Crystal Ice Festival
The International Golden Horse Crystal Ice Festival is an important winter event held annually at Lake Çıldır in Ardahan. This festival, which combines traditional and modern activities, showcases the region’s cultural heritage while also increasing its tourism potential. The events held on the frozen surface of Lake Çıldır attract both local and international tourists, contributing to the regional economy.
During the festival, events such as horse-drawn sleigh races, mounted archery demonstrations, and traditional javelin competitions are organized. Participants have the opportunity to experience sports unique to Turkish culture through these ice-based activities. Additionally, ice fishing demonstrations raise awareness about the lake’s ecosystem and the region’s fishing activities. Caucasian folk dances and performances by mehter bands are also among the key elements that reflect the festival’s cultural richness.
Horse-Drawn Sleigh (TGA, Türkiye Kültür Portalı)
When Lake Çıldır is completely frozen in winter, it hosts various outdoor sports and activities during the festival. Activities such as ice skating, off-road races, and walking tours offer visitors diverse experiences. At the same time, the festival serves as a platform to promote regional handicrafts and local delicacies. In this way, it creates economic opportunities for the local population and supports traditional production methods.
