Lake Beyşehir (Turkish: Beyşehir Gölü; anciently, Carallis or Karallis (Ancient Greek: Κάραλλις), or Caralis or Karalis (Κάραλις)[1][2]) is a large freshwater lake in Isparta and Konya provinces in southwestern Turkey. It is located at around 37°47′0″N 31°33′0″E / 37.78333°N 31.55000°E and is the largest freshwater lake in Turkey. It has an area of 650 km2 and is 45 km long and 20 km wide. It carries the same name as the principal urban centre of its region, Beyşehir. Anciently, it was considered part of ancient Isauria.[3]
| Lake Beyşehir | |
|---|---|
 Satellite image of Lake Beyşehir in 2019 | |
  Lake Beyşehir | |
| Coordinates | 37°47′0″N 31°33′0″E / 37.78333°N 31.55000°E |
| Basin countries | Turkey |
| Max. length | 45 km (28 mi) |
| Max. width | 20 km (12 mi) |
| Surface area | 650.00 km2 (250.97 sq mi) |
| Surface elevation | 1,123 m (3,684 ft) |
The lake is fed by streams flowing from the Sultan Mountains and the Anamas Mountains. The water level in the lake often fluctuates by year and by season. Lake Beyşehir is used for irrigation and aquaculture, although it is also a national park. There are thirty-two islets in varying sizes in the lake. Lake Beyşehir is also an important site for many bird species.
The maximum depth is 10 metres.
Water in the lake was at its lowest level during the period 1960-1990 in October 1975 at 1121.96 metres, with 64,500 hectares of water surface. The highest water level in the same period was 1125.50 metres in March 1981, with a surface area of 74,600 hectares.[4]
See also
edit- List of lakes in Turkey
- Taşköprü, a historic regulator dam and bridge next to the lake
- Lake Beyşehir National Park
References
edit- ^ Richard Talbert, ed. (2000). Barrington Atlas of the Greek and Roman World. Princeton University Press. p. 65, and directory notes accompanying. ISBN 978-0-691-03169-9.
- ^
Smith, William, ed. (1854–1857). "Carallis". Dictionary of Greek and Roman Geography. London: John Murray.
- ^ Strabo. Geographica. Vol. p. 568. Page numbers refer to those of Isaac Casaubon's edition.
- ^ Dursun, Sukru. "Effect of Global Climate Change on Water Balance of Beyşehir Lake". Balwois.com. Selcuk University: 9.
External links
edit
- Documentary by ADOKBEL (Association Of Anatolian Natural And Cultural Documentaries)