10.08.2026 22:20
The Kangal Balıklı Spa, located in the Kangal district of Sivas and famous for its doctor fish, which are unique in the world, is undergoing a comprehensive transformation process. The facility, which has been transferred to the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, will be rebuilt as the 'Kangal Balıklı Lake Nature Park' after the tender to be held at the end of August and will be brought into health tourism.
Located in the Kangal district of Sivas, 90 km from the city center and 13 km from Kangal, the Kangal Balıklı Kaplıcası (Kangal Fish Spa) is unique in the world with its healing thermal water at 35 degrees Celsius in all four seasons and its 'doctor fish' that clean dead tissue from the body.
VISITORS COME FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD Until recently, the spa was operated by the private sector as a tenant of the Special Provincial Administration, hosting people with skin and rheumatic ailments, primarily psoriasis patients, from all over the world. To improve the quality of service, the facility was transferred to the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. Now managed by the Sivas Governorship and the General Directorate of Nature Conservation and National Parks, the facility continues to host guests, and despite the lack of full-scale facilities, 10,000 people visited the doctor fish in 40 days. With a tender to be held at the end of August, it will be rebuilt as Kangal Balıklı Lake Nature Park.
IT WILL TURN INTO A HEALTH VALLEY The project, carried out under the coordination of the Sivas Governorship and the General Directorate of Nature Conservation and National Parks, aims to protect the region ecologically and turn it into a significant center with international standards. The project, based on preserving the unique microclimatic structure of the 1,600-altitude valley, will move vehicle traffic to the outer perimeter of a 70,000-square-meter area, making the spa zone completely pedestrianized. This eco-friendly planning, created by preserving the valley's humidity balance, sunshine duration, and natural air currents, will help ensure the health of visitors and the habitat of endemic fish species. Within the project, planned to open in the summer of 2027, there will be a hotel with 250 beds and family-type cottages, a fully equipped health and cure center, open healing ponds of 1,750 square meters, modern indoor and outdoor pools, dining areas, a local culture street, a market area for regional products, parking, a prayer room, and administrative units.
THE DISTRICT POPULATION WILL DOUBLE With the project's implementation, it is anticipated that 16,000 visitors can visit the district, which has a population of about 19,000, in 20-day periods. Evaluating the project that will cause a boom in health tourism in the district, Kangal Mayor Mehmet Öztürk said, "As you know, with the decision of our President, this place became Balıklı Lake Nature Park and was transferred to our Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. Our ministry has done very good work here. Architectural projects, zoning plans, and other preparations have been completed. God willing, towards the end of August or mid-September, the investment of approximately 1.5-2 billion liras, whose visuals we have seen, will go out to tender. Interested firms will be invited, and this valuable asset will be offered to the country's tourism. Our Balıklı Lake Nature Park has a very important value for tourism, employment, and the regional economy. According to official records, there are approximately 1.6 million psoriasis patients in our country. May God grant healing to all of them. One of the world's natural treatment centers for this disease is also in our district. It is stated that there are about 25 million psoriasis patients across Europe. Even if we open this place just for the service of the 1.6 million psoriasis patients in our country, there will be a huge tourism activity. Even if we can attract just one percent of these patients to our district after the facilities are completed, about 16,000 people will come to our district during the 21-day treatment period," he said.
THE DISTRICT WILL BE MADE READY FOR THE PROJECT Öztürk stated that they have accelerated efforts compatible with the project in the district, saying, "That's why we are already trying to explain this both through you and at the meetings we attend. This investment has started, the process is ongoing, and God willing, it will be realized by the end of next year. Since this value will emerge, we are also continuing our infrastructure works in our district. As a municipality, we are conducting very serious work on housing areas, social amenities, and sports facilities. We are also encouraging the private sector to invest. Currently, there are about 34 accommodation facilities, guesthouses, hotels, and accommodation areas belonging to public institutions in our district. However, even the existing capacity is already insufficient. After this project is completed, our work continues to create social areas where our citizens coming to the district can spend time, rest, have fun, and do sports after their treatment. Thank God, these efforts are progressing very well. Our preparations in the field of tourism continue in this way."