Lake Van
Area:3760m²
Height: 1720m
Length: 119 km
Width: 51km
Depth: 145m
Lake Van, rich in salt water, is located in the western part of the city of Van, Turkey, in Western Armenia. It is located between the Kordvac Mountains, the Kotursky Range and Mount Tsahkants, at an altitude of 1720 m. The area of the lake is 3574 km, the average depth is 161 meters. The picturesque shores are mostly rocky. There are several extinct volcanoes nearby, including the ancient volcanoesSipanandNemrut. Due to the salty water of the lake, the organic world is not rich. There is only one type of fish – Tareh. In Assyrian sources the lake is called the “Sea of Nairi”, and in the Middle Ages the Armenians called it “Sea of Bznunyats” and “Sea of Rshtunyats”.
In ancient times, there were seven islands in the lake, but now there are four: Lim, Ktuts, Arter and Akhtamar. There is a rich cultural heritage preserved on the shores of the lake and on the islands, including tombs, Armenian temples and fortifications. The most famous and well-preserved church of theHoly Cross, built in the 10th century on the island of Akhtamar. In recent years, archaeologists have discovered traces underwater of some thousand-year-old castles on the lake’s shores.
