27.07.2025 20:49
Lake Iznik, which is the fifth largest in Turkey and the largest in the Marmara Region, has also been affected by global warming. With the retreat of the lake, the dock where the ferry that transported passengers in the region used to dock between 2015 and 2018 has been left on land.
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The water level in Lake Iznik, which is the 5th largest lake in Turkey with an area of 310 square kilometers, has fallen below critical levels due to global warming and drought.
PIERS STRANDED ON LAND
The piers located on both the Orhangazi and Iznik shores of Lake Iznik, which is 33 kilometers long, 12 kilometers wide, and has a perimeter of 95 kilometers, have been left stranded on land as the water receded in recent years.
ONCE DOCKED A SEA BUS
The legs of the passenger pier where the Akşemseddin Sea Bus, which had a capacity of 155 passengers and was 30 meters long, docked on the Orhangazi shore between 2015 and 2018 have also emerged as the water receded. Archive footage of the sea bus docking at the pier 10 years ago, along with the current images of the region, once again highlighted the effects of global warming and drought.
INDUSTRY AND WILD IRRIGATION IMPACT
The State Hydraulic Works (DSI) Bursa Regional Directorate has imposed restrictions on agricultural irrigation in Lake Iznik during the summer season due to the water level falling below critical levels. Dinçer Dimrit, the President of the Orhangazi Chamber of Agriculture, stated that the unconscious use of water by industrial establishments in the region has also contributed to the receding waters in the lake. Dimrit noted that there has been significant withdrawal in Lake Iznik in recent years, saying, "Unfortunately, global warming and drought are felt in Lake Iznik just as they are across Turkey. In addition, the water drawn from Lake Iznik for the industrial establishments in the region and unconscious irrigation have caused significant withdrawal in Lake Iznik."
"WITHDRAWAL OF 6 METERS EVERY YEAR"
Cemil Gündüz Kolçak, who stayed in his caravan parked by the lake, expressed that they felt the drought in a tangible way. Kolçak stated that the water recedes by 6 meters every year. Şefik Çelik, a resident of the district, said, "The withdrawal in the lake is due to the lack of rainfall. If it rains, the water level of the lake will rise again."
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