Lake Koycegiz Heavenly

Lake Köyce?iz

This lake takes its name from the town you will find on its northern shore. Köyce?iz town has grown over the years with its population now approaching 40,000. At one time, these waters were saline because the sea reached here before centuries of silting put it many kilometres inland. A link still exists however because the Dalyan channel runs right past Dalyan, and through winding channels and reeds to Iztuzu Beach and beyond.

Two rivers, the Namnam and Yuvarlakçay Rivers feed into the lake which also benefits from a number of smaller brooks. Its depth is anything from 20 to 60 metres and there is a very healthy population of fish, including sizeable carp and catfish.

This is a wonderful setting, hills on one side and fertile plains on the other. The highest mountain approaches 950 metres. One of the lake’s five islands, all uninhabited now, Hapishane Adas?, (Prison Island) was once used for military purposes and then as a prison but today it lies empty.

It was about 7500 years ago when the lake was formed as a result of earthquakes. Hot springs are found down its southern side with the spa water popular with tourists. They sometimes combine a trip to the town’s market each Monday with a visit to Sultaniye Spa during the summer season. For others, the appeal of lake and the immediate surrounding marshy area is the abundance of birdlife, an ornithologist’s dream. More than 150 different bird species have been recorded in this area of huge ecological importance.