For tourists, Lake Salda is known as the ""Maldives of Turkey,"" while for scientists, it is the only place on Earth that resembles the Jezero crater on Mars.
Lake Salda features white sand and turquoise waters clearer than glass, and it is often promoted as the ""Maldives of Turkey."" According to scientists, Lake Salda is the only place on Earth that resembles the Jezero crater on Mars. This affirmation from the experts helps Turkey raise awareness about the environmental significance of this natural treasure. Today, Salda is facing threats from pollution, leading to a decline in water levels.
Lake Salda is located in Burdur Province, about 150 km from the capital Antalya and 110 km from the city of Denizli. The remote location of the lake contributes to its pristine natural beauty, providing visitors with an escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life. The lake covers nearly 4,400 hectares (43.7 km²) and reaches a depth of 196 meters, making it one of the deepest lakes in the country.
Salda is home to over 300 species of plants, including two endemic species, and more than 30 species of water birds, in addition to wildlife such as wild boars and foxes. These characteristics make Salda one of the best places in Turkey for nature photography and hiking. The best time to visit the lake is in spring and early summer, according to local guide Hasan Gülday, when the surrounding landscape is described as picture-perfect, with lush trees, white sand, and blue waters.
However, visitors can visit the lake in any season, including winter. The road to the nearby Salda ski center offers a panoramic view of the lake and the surrounding area. Many visitors describe the snow-covered scenery as ""so beautiful that many think the photos have been edited.""
In July and August, visitors can admire the lavender fields near the lake, where locals produce soap and perfume for sale to tourists. Although swimming is allowed, many believe that local authorities should ban it to better protect the lake. Scientific advisor Kesici opposes people going into the water because the lake is closed, trapping all waste inside. Many visitors enjoy mud baths at the lake, believing this can treat certain skin diseases, but Kesici warns that this activity also harms the lake's fragile ecosystem.
Looking from above (left), Lake Salda resembles the Jezero crater on Mars. Photo: Space Ref, NASA
Briony Horgan, a professor in the Department of Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences at Purdue University, visited Turkey in 2019 with her NASA team to study the mysterious lake. Horgan was struck by how much the lake and its surroundings resembled extraterrestrial landscapes. ""This is truly a unique place. I felt as if I was standing on the shore of the Jezero lake on Mars,"" Professor Horgan said.
Nurgül Balci, a professor of Geological Engineering at Istanbul Technical University, also participated in NASA's research on Lake Salda. Besides helping scientists gain a better understanding of Mars' geology, she stated that the lake provides profound insights into Earth's history and requires stricter protection measures. ""The lake contains a wealth of information that helps us understand how life began and evolved 3.5 billion years ago,"" Professor Balci mentioned.
In 2024, the International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS) included Lake Salda in its list of the top 100 geological sites in the world. Balci provided substantial evidence contributing to the lake's inclusion, documenting that Salda holds vital information about early Mars and Earth. If the lake were to disappear, our search for that information would be hindered.
Many express optimism that being listed in the top 100 by IUGS will have positive impacts on the lake. Others, however, remain skeptical. Erol Kesici, a retired lecturer and scientific advisor for Turkey's Nature Conservation Association, noted that despite good protection efforts, serious unforeseen issues will still arise. Pollution and excessive contamination from the construction of ponds and dams are gradually causing the lake's ecosystem, turquoise water, and endemic species to vanish.
Professor Horgan hopes that the lake will be a destination for many to visit and appreciate, but it is also a place that tourists and locals need to ""respect responsibly.""
Fields of lavender near the lake. Photo: Sky kamer antalya
Lake Salda is located in Burdur, close to the city of Denizli – home to another gem of the country, Pamukkale or the ""land of lakes"" in Turkey. Guide Gülday also encourages visitors to explore the ancient cities of Kibyra and Sagalassos, which are slated for UNESCO World Heritage status.
Kibyra, a settlement that dates back to the early Iron Age, is about a 1.5-hour drive from Salda. S"
Post a Comment