Covered with water lilies, Isikli Lake takes place as tourism hotspot in SW Türkiye

ANKARA

Isikli Lake in southwestern Türkiye has in recent years become a lotus-covered favorite among both local and foreign sightseers.

A protected natural area, the lake, whose name translates to luminous, attracts visitors to its diversity of animal and plant life, especially the lotus flowers that blanket its surface through the summer.

Located in the district of Civril, it is 120 kilometers (about 75 miles) from the urban center of Denizli province.

Boats here take guests on a tour through the lake's floral waters that lasts for about an hour.

The lake, which covers an area of 7,300 hectares (over 18,000 acres), is also home to many waterfowl and rare fish species.

Locals make a living from the lake by fishing, restaurant management, and other tourism activities.

Speaking to Anadolu, Civril Mayor Niyazi Vural said the district was home to many civilizations throughout history.

"People from all over Türkiye and even from different countries of the world visit the lake, which is famous for its water lilies," Vural said.

"Last year, more than 100,000 guests took the boat tour here. This year, our goal is to 300,000 visitors," he said.

"The tourism season here starts on June 1 and ends after the second week of August," Vural added.