Van Lake is located in the southeastern part of the Eastern Anatolia Region, within the boundaries of Bitlis Province. It is a volcanic crater lake formed by the eruption of Nemrut Volcano and the closure of the tectonic depression area in the region. Surrounded by high mountains and plateaus, it is the largest lake in Turkey. With an area of 3,713 km², its average elevation above sea level is 1,646 meters. Its deepest point reaches up to 451 meters. Lake Van forms Turkey's second-largest endorheic basin and is a closed basin that does not drain into surrounding seas.
The water of Lake Van is salty and alkaline. Its salinity is 0.19%, and the pH level is quite alkaline, at 9.8. Due to its high salt content, Van Lake is distinct from other freshwater lakes, and its water does not freeze, which is one of its important features. The lake has an annual water capacity of about 3.5 billion m³.
Lake Van
Ecosystem and Biodiversity
Due to the salty and alkaline waters, Van Lake has limited biodiversity. It is home to 103 species of phytoplankton, 36 species of zooplankton, and only one fish species, the pearl mullet (Chalcalburnus tarichi). The pearl mullet is the only fish species that lives exclusively in the lake and is critical to the region's ecosystem. Due to the high salinity of the water, the biological diversity in the lake is considerably more limited compared to other lakes.
Volcanic Structures and Formation of the Lake
The surroundings of Lake Van are bordered by several extinct volcanic mountains, among which Mount Süphan and Mount Nemrut stand out. Around 200,000 years ago, during the middle of the Ice Age, the lava flowing from Mount Nemrut blocked the water flow between the Van Basin and Muş Basin, leading to the formation of the lake. These volcanic activities played a significant role in shaping the current geography of the lake.
Historical and Cultural Significance
Van Lake has been an important settlement area during the reign of the Urartu Kingdom. The Urartians ruled over the eastern shores of the lake during the 10th and 8th centuries BC. Many historical remnants from this period still exist today. Van Castle, located on the eastern shore of the lake, is a prominent historical site, and the modern city of Van is situated to the east of this castle. There are also remnants of Armenian monasteries and churches around the lake.
There are four islands on the eastern side of Lake Van: Akdamar, Çarpanak, Adır, and Kuşadaları. These islands are significant both as tourist attractions and historical sites. Akdamar Island is famous for the Holy Cross Church built by King Gagik Artzruni in the 10th century, with scenes from the Bible depicted on its exterior walls. Other islands also attract attention with their historical structures and are part of the archaeological sites in the region.
Tourism and Economic Importance
Van Lake is an important tourist destination, especially in the summer months, attracting both local and international visitors. Activities such as boat tours, fishing, and nature walks are popular on the lake. Moreover, the surrounding area, including several districts of Van Province and Bitlis Province, forms a vast settlement area. Districts such as Muradiye, Erciş, Çaldıran, and Özalp are important settlement centers in the lake basin.
