Kızören Obruğu

Kızören Obruğu (or Kızören Lake) is a karstic sinkhole formed by the dissolution of limestone blocks underground and the collapse of the ceilings of underground cave systems, resulting in a circular and deep depression that has since filled with water. Konya is located approximately 70 kilometers northeast of its city center, within the boundaries of the Karatay district, on the Obruk Plateau along the Konya-Aksaray highway. Historically, the water needs of the 13th-century Seljuk-era Obruk Hanı, situated immediately to its western edge, were met using this sinkhole.

Tarihi ve doğal güzelliğin buluştuğu mekan, Obruk Hanı ve Gölü-AA

Geological and Morphological Features

Obruk is a deep, circular depression formed by the dissolution of underground limestone and the collapse of the ceilings of subterranean cave systems. With a diameter of 228 meters and a total depth of 171 meters, 145 meters of the sinkhole is filled with water. These physical dimensions classify it as the largest obruk in Türkiye.

Hydrological Features

Kızören Obruğu is classified as a “wet obruk” or “karstic lake.” The water level of the lake reflects the groundwater table and is connected via underground drainage to the Meyil, Karain, and Çıralı obruk sites. The direction of groundwater flow in the region is from south to north, toward Tuz Gölü. Observations indicate that the lake’s water level has declined over the years due to excessive groundwater extraction and drought; a drop of 35 meters was recorded between 1968 and 2009.

Historical and Cultural Context Immediately to the western edge of the obruk lies the Obruk Hanı, a structure built in the 13th century during the Seljuk period. Historically, this depression lake was used to supply water to the han.

Protection Status and Tourism

Kızören Obruğu was officially designated as a "Strictly Protected Sensitive Area" by Presidential Decree on 5 October 2019. Restoration and environmental improvement works have been carried out by the Karatay Municipality to promote tourism in the region. Additionally, official efforts are ongoing to include the site on UNESCO’s World Heritage List.