16.10.2025 13:24
Lake Eğirdir in Isparta has been divided into two due to the drop in water levels. The area where the water has receded has turned into a grazing ground for animals. The local people and visitors were astonished by the sight they encountered. Similar scenes have also emerged in Lake Kovada, which is connected to Lake Eğirdir by a canal.
The Eğirdir Lake, Turkey's 4th largest lake and 2nd largest drinking water reservoir, has seen a significant drop in water levels. With the retreat of the water, the lake was recently split in two from the Hoyran Strait.
ANIMALS GRAZING WHERE THE LAKE USED TO BE
After the lake was divided, a new landmass emerged where shepherds were observed grazing their animals. The fishing boats at the harbor on the shores of Eğirdir Lake have also become immobile due to the shallowing caused by the drop in water levels. Additionally, the Eğirdir Lagoon, known worldwide for its natural beauty, located on the lake's shore, has completely dried up. Half of Kovada Lake, which is connected to the lake via the 'Kovada channel' and is referred to as 'the offspring of Eğirdir Lake,' has completely dried up, while the water level in the other half has dropped to 1 meter.
VISITORS WERE LEFT ASTONISHED
Visitors to the region were astonished by the sight they encountered. Villagers who make a living from farming and apple growing around the lake had to resort to tanker trucks to irrigate their gardens during the summer months. Producers, especially before the apple harvest, faced great difficulties in accessing water sources. The local people stated that the lake has reached this state due to insufficient rainfall in the region for many years and said that the water accumulated in dams and ponds should be redirected back to the lake.
"I'VE NEVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE THIS BEFORE"
Ahmet Yetkin, who stated that he has visited Eğirdir Lake multiple times, said, "I never thought it would recede this much or dry up. It makes one sad to see. As nature lovers, we would never have imagined this, but the unimaginable happens. There is something we do not know; nature and the lake do not need humans. Nature and the lake can live without humans, but humans cannot live without nature and lakes. We have been coming here for years; there used to be some retreat along the shores, but I have never seen anything like this before. The retreat of the lake affects not only people but also nature, animals, and all living beings. We humans think that nature, waters, and seas belong to us, but they belong to all living beings. If there is no water, there is no life, and there are no visitors. The existence of everything is water. The retreat and drying of the water will prevent this place from being a center of attraction," he said.
"I WISH I HADN'T BROUGHT MY GUESTS"
Arif Palas, who has lived in Isparta for about 35 years, said, "It's a very sad situation. I brought my guests to Kovada Lake; I wish I hadn't. We came last year, and it was all water; now it has turned into a barren, completely dry desert. We also went to Eğirdir Lake, where the water had receded, but since there was still some water, it wasn't as shocking. Here, the water is gone; nothing is left. We used to bring our guests here, calling it a 'natural paradise,' but I guess we can't do that anymore. There is nothing left in terms of water. Where there is no water, there is no life. We are sad," he said.
Fahri Çatmalı said, "We were here a year ago. Our in-laws brought us, and we saw this place, but now there is no trace of that water. There is a huge natural disaster. If it continues like this, this green area will be completely dry in a year."
"WHERE THE BOAT USED TO BE IS NOW A GARDEN"
Süleyman Dolaksız, one of the residents around Eğirdir Lake, said, "I worked as a truck driver and fisherman for 50 years. While fishing, Müjde Ar filmed here with Talat Bulut. They rented my boat. I took them around for a month. When Müjde Ar came, the boat was here by the shore; this was water, now it has become a garden. The lake has receded at least 1 kilometer. Our grandparents and ancestors used to make a living as shepherds; it has become bad since the lake is gone. The reason for the lake's retreat is the increase in gardens and irrigation systems around; everywhere has become drilled. Since the weather has also been dry, our lake does not fill in the winter," he said.