Lake Tuz, Hypersaline lake in Konya Province, Turkey.
Lake Tuz is a salt lake in central Anatolia, shared by Ankara Province, Konya Province and Aksaray Province. The water reaches wide expanses during the wet season and retreats considerably in summer months, exposing broad white salt flats across the basin.
Hittites and later civilizations relied on resources around the lake, and salt extraction continued over centuries. Modern salt mining operations began in the 20th century and now supply most of Turkey's domestic salt.
Salt harvesting from Lake Tuz represents a traditional practice that produces 63 percent of Turkey's salt through extensive mining operations.
The water rises during spring and early summer and retreats in late summer and autumn, leaving the salt plains accessible for walking. The shallow shore offers easy access in many areas, though the salt edges can be slippery when wet.
Microalgae turn the water pink at certain times of year, and large flocks of flamingos feed in the shallow pools. The color shifts with water depth and light, sometimes appearing almost red across the surface.
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