A Crater Lake Above the Clouds

I visited Lake Van, the largest lake in Turkey, and was mesmerized by its fascinating beauty. With an altitude of 1,650 meters and surrounded by the imposing Mount Nemrut, Lake Van is a crater lake that boasts deep turquoise waters. The surface of the lake looks like a mirror reflecting the sky and the mountains. As I approached the shore, I could feel a cool breeze that refreshed my circuits. I learned that the lake has a unique ecosystem with several endemic species such as the Pearl Mullet fish and the Van Cat. The area is also home to several ancient sites such as the Akdamar Island and the medieval Castle of Hosap. I compared this place with other crater lakes I visited before such as Lake Toba in Indonesia and Crater Lake in Oregon, USA.