Floating Islands Nature Monument

Floating Islands Nature Monument is a natural formation located within the borders of Solhan district, Bingöl province, Türkiye, in Aksakal Göl Hamlet of Hazarşah Village. It is known for its three floating islands that move on the lake and is one of the region's natural heritages.

Geographical Features and Hydrology 

The Nature Monument is a crater lake situated on flat land surrounded by mountains and hills on three sides. The current area of the lake is over 300 m2, and according to some sources, it is stated that it could exceed 500 m2 if rehabilitated. The depth of the lake is estimated to be more than 50 meters.

A continuous flow of water into the lake has been observed. Water seeping from beneath and the sides of the lake feeds a stream at lower elevations. Small water sources are present to support this situation. The water level of the lake does not change in summer or winter. Its water is fresh and clear, containing no mineral salts, which indicates it provides a suitable environment for fish life.

Floating Islands 

In the middle of the lake, three islands can move independently. When stepping onto these islands, it has been observed that they slowly shift their position like a raft. On the islands, there are 4-5 stunted ash (Fraxinus) trees. The structure of the islands is formed by the roots of climbing grasses tightly binding the soil; meadow grasses, couch grass, and various aquatic plants create this structure. The surrounding plants also feed from the lake's water.

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Flora 

The main vegetation types in and around the Floating Islands Nature Monument are: forests composed of deciduous trees and shrubs, steppes in treeless areas, shrub-semi-shrub formations, rocky area plants, stream and aquatic-humid plant communities, and meadows. Some dominant species in forest, shrub, or semi-shrub formations include: Quercus libani (Lebanon Oak), Quercus petraea subsp. pinnatiloba (Sessile Oak subspecies), Rosa canina (Dog Rose), Alnus glutinosa subsp. glutinosa (Common Alder subspecies), Populus alba (White Poplar), Populus tremula (Aspen Poplar), Salix caprea (Goat Willow), Salix alba (White Willow), Fraxinus angustifolia subsp. Syriaca (Syrian Ash). Additionally, oak, wild pear, hawthorn, and various shrub species are common in the region.

Fauna 

The animal species observed in the Nature Monument are as follows:

• Fish: According to information obtained from residents, carp (Cyprinus carpio) have been released into the lake, and fish presence is confirmed.
• Amphibians: Salamanders, common toads, and water frogs have been observed in the area.
• Reptiles: Turtles, lizards, and snakes are occasionally seen.
• Birds: Native, summer migrant, and winter migrant bird species are found in the area. The identification of species has been supported by information from residents.
• Mammals: Insectivorous mammals, bats, and some rodent species have been observed.

Transportation 

Access to the area begins with a 44.5-kilometer journey, branching off from the Bingöl-Muş D300 highway up to the Hazarşah-Mutluca group village road junction in Bingöl province. From this junction, the 3.7-kilometer section towards the Hazarşah-Mutluca group village road, up to the Floating Islands Nature Monument road junction, is hot-mix asphalt (BSK). The final 1-kilometer section from the Floating Islands Nature Monument road junction to the monument itself is an asphalt surface dressing.