Lake Nemrut, Crater lake in Ahlat, Turkey
Lake Nemrut is a crater lake sitting within a volcanic caldera near Ahlat in eastern Turkey. The water body is quite deep and surrounded by steep volcanic slopes that shape the dramatic landscape.
This lake took shape roughly a quarter million years ago when the volcano collapsed inward following a massive eruption. The volcanic crater that resulted eventually filled with water to form the lake we see today.
Local people have long connections to this body of water and the surrounding volcanic landscape. The region holds meaning for communities who have lived alongside it and used the land for generations.
Reaching the lakeshore is easiest from higher elevations since the volcanic slopes are steep and not accessible everywhere. A winter sports facility on the southern slopes provides winter activities when snow covers the upper slopes.
Thermal springs beneath the lake warm the deeper water layers, preventing the entire lake from freezing even during harsh winters. This geothermal heat from below keeps the lower portions liquid even when surface ice forms.
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