Lake Van is the largest lake in Turkey, located in the eastern part of the country. It has no outlet and is saline and soda-rich due to water flowing from surrounding mountains. At over 1,600 meters above sea level, Lake Van is very deep with harsh winter temperatures, though it does not freeze due to its high salinity. It contains only one type of fish that can survive in its salty waters.

1. LAKE VAN
Lake Van is the largest lake in Turkey, located in the far east of the country in Van district. It is a
saline and soda lake, receiving water from numerous small streams that descend from the
surrounding mountains. Lake Van is one of the world's largest endorheic lakes (having no
outlet). The original outlet from the basin was blocked by an ancient volcanic eruption.
Although Lake Van is situated at an altitude of 1,640 m (5,380 ft) with harsh winters, it does not
freeze due to its high salinity except occasionally the shallow northern section.
Lake Van is 119 kilometres (74 mi) across at its widest point, averaging a depth of 171 metres
(561 ft) with a maximum recorded depth of 451 metres (1,480 ft). The lake surface lies 1,640
metres (5,380 ft) above sea level and the shore length is 430 kilometres (270 mi). Lake Van has
an area of 3,755 km2 (1,450 sq mi) and a volume of 607 cubic kilometres (146 cu mi).
Lake Van is situated in the highest and largest region of Turkey, which has a harsh continental
climate. Average temperatures in July are between 22 and 25 °C, and in January between -3 °C
to -12 °C. In particularly cold winter nights the temperature reaches -30 °C. Lake Van mitigates
the climate somewhat, so in the city of Van, on the shore of the lake, the average temperature
in July is 22.5 °C, and in January -3.5 °C. The average annual rainfall in the basin of Lake Van,
ranges from 400 to 700 mm.
The only fish known to live in the brackish water of Lake Van is Chalcalburnus tarichi the Pearl
Mullet or inci kefalı, a Cypirinid fish related to chub and dace, which is caught during the spring
floods.