Lake Karakız, artificial pond in Turkey
Lake Karakız is a reservoir built in the mountains of Mersin province at about 1500 meters elevation. It stretches roughly 1500 meters long and holds over 3 million cubic meters of water, supplied by Karakız Creek and fed by the local water sources.
The reservoir was created in 1998 to secure water for agriculture in the region. Since then it has become an important part of local water management, serving both irrigation and flood control needs.
The reservoir takes its name from the creek that feeds it. The area reflects how local communities depend on water sources for daily life, with visitors and residents gathering here for fishing, picnics, and quiet moments away from busier towns.
The lake sits east of the village of Hacialanı, roughly 49 kilometers from Erdemli, and is accessible by car. Summer and early autumn are best for visiting when the weather is mild and the surroundings welcome simple activities like walking and picnicking.
Although the lake was created in 1998, it quickly became popular for bird watching and local fishing contests. The community occasionally organizes simple events like family picnics around the water, bringing the area to life without disrupting its quiet character.
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