29.10.2026 20:29
In Bursa's İznik district, the heavy rainfalls that have been effective over the past two years have even overflowed the stream beds known as 'Kuru Dere' and filled the dams in Bursa and Istanbul; nevertheless, Lake İznik continues to recede. Citizens who have raised the rumor that there may be a crack in the lake bed are waiting for a statement from the authorities. The claim has not been confirmed by any scientific findings.
In the İznik district of Bursa, heavy rains that have been effective over the past two years have occasionally caused floods and overflows, and even the stream beds known among the public as "Kuru Dere" (Dry Stream) have filled and overflowed. Although the occupancy rates of dams in Bursa and Istanbul have seen significant increases with the rains, Lake İznik's continued recession has caused curiosity and concern among citizens.
IS THERE A CRACK IN THE LAKE BED?
As the lake level did not recover despite heavy rains, some citizens raised the question, "Could there be a crack in the bottom of Lake İznik, and is the water going underground?" While a necessary statement from the authorities is awaited, tourism operator Bekir Uslu said, "I have been running a business on the shore of Lake İznik for more than 20 years. For the last 2 years there has been tremendous rainfall, and the stream beds have filled and overflowed. Even the dry stream, which has had no water for years and is called a dry stream, has filled and overflowed. In contrast, all the dams in Bursa and Istanbul have filled and overflowed. Despite this, our Lake İznik has lagged far behind, and we are waiting for an answer from scientists. We would be very pleased if they could explain this. Rather than drought, when we ask some acquaintances and people around us, it is said and thought that there is a crack under the lake. Rather than going along with these rumors, we are waiting for an answer from the authorities," he stated.
As the causes of water loss in Lake İznik come to the agenda, it is noted that the crack claim voiced by citizens has not been confirmed by any scientific findings. It is stated that factors such as the water sources feeding the lake, agricultural irrigation, industrial activities, groundwater use, and evaporation need to be comprehensively investigated. For the future of Lake İznik, which is of vital importance for the region's agriculture, tourism, and natural life, an explanation based on scientific data is expected from the authorities. In a period when floods occur as streams overflow, why is Lake İznik still receding? Does the claim raised by citizens that there may be a crack in the lake bed have any scientific basis? Answering these questions is of great importance for addressing public concerns.
WHERE IS THIS WATER GOING?
İznik resident Esin Ören, on the other hand, said, "In our childhood, Lake İznik was very beautiful. We used to swim to our heart's content. But now we don't even know where to swim. After all that rain, we cannot understand where this water is going. Where am I going to let my grandchild swim? There is no place to swim. Let the authorities explain to us where this water is going," she said.