Lake Beyşehir

Lake Beyşehir is a large freshwater lake in southwestern Central Anatolia in Turkey, located near the town of Beyşehir. It is the country’s largest freshwater lake by surface area and supports fisheries, irrigation and a variety of wetland habitats.

The shoreline includes dozens of small islands and islets, along with reedbeds and shallow bays that provide habitat for fish and migratory birds. Recreational boating and seasonal tourism occur around the lake, and parts of the shoreline are designated within Lake Beyşehir National Park to protect natural and cultural features.

Human use of the lake has long included local fishing communities and agricultural irrigation; conservation and park management address water quality, habitat protection and visitor facilities. The lake sits among low hills and plain landscapes characteristic of the Konya-Beyşehir district in central-southern Turkey.

Lake Beyşehir is in Konya Province in southwestern Central Anatolia, near the town of Beyşehir and surrounded by agricultural land and low hills; the national park boundaries include significant stretches of the lake’s shoreline.

• Scale: Turkey's largest freshwater lake by surface area, covering roughly several hundred square kilometres and supporting local fisheries and irrigation.
• Wildlife importance: Important for birdlife and seasonal migrations; the lake's shallow bays and reedbeds are valuable habitats for waterfowl.

What to See #

• Islands and islets: Numerous islands and islets scattered across the lake provide sheltered bays and recreation points; several islands are used for picnic and boat mooring.
• National park and shoreline: The lake is protected in parts by Lake Beyşehir National Park, which includes shoreline woodlands and aquatic habitats used for birdwatching and recreation.