Lake Van

The largest lake in Turkey and one of the largest soda lakes in the world, Lake Van occupies a high volcanic basin at 1,640 meters in eastern Anatolia and covers an area of approximately 3,755 square kilometers. Its intensely alkaline water gives it a vivid blue-green color, and the snowcapped peaks of the surrounding volcanic terrain — including Mount Süphan — are reflected on calm days. The islet of Akdamar in the lake holds a tenth-century Armenian church, the Holy Cross Cathedral, decorated with exceptional exterior relief carvings.