ISTANBUL, July 1 (Xinhua) -- Lake Van, Türkiye's largest lake, has seen a surge in scuba diving since the largest microbialite tower was discovered there in 2022.
Ferhat Basdinc, a member of the Van Vadi Nature Sports Club and also part of the local fire brigade's underwater search and rescue team, told Xinhua in a recent interview about their discovery.
"This structure measured exactly 31.7 meters in length and housed numerous living creatures, making it one of the longest known microbialites globally," said Basdinc, adding that shorter ones were first discovered in the lake in 2018.
"We also recently uncovered a new fish species exclusively inhabiting these microbialites," Basdinc said, highlighting another fascinating aspect of the lake's biodiversity. The divers named this species the "coral fish," measuring around six to seven centimeters in length.
Situated at an altitude of 1,640 meters in the province of Van, the lake is the world's largest soda lake and Türkiye's largest lake, covering an area of 3,713 square km. Its 430-km coastline with numerous bays provides an ideal environment for scuba diving, as Basdinc highlighted.
The diving season started this year in mid-June with two diving schools struggling to meet the growing demand from enthusiasts eager to explore Lake Van's marvels.
"With increasing demand, there's a rush to open two more schools. Currently, we have around 20 diving instructors and assistants, which is quite limited," Basdinc said, stressing the need for more diving schools with well-trained instructors to establish the lake as a scuba diving paradise.
Halil Ibrahim Atacan, president of the Underwater Search and Rescue Training Association, expressed his optimism. "We anticipate a successful season with memorable dives. Lake Van's high altitude makes it an appealing diving center, as we understand the allure of diving in elevated environments," he told reporters.
Divers are also eager to see the pearl mullet, a species found only in Lake Van's salty, carbonated waters. Additionally, recent receding waters have revealed ancient settlements dating back centuries, providing divers with fascinating archaeological sites. Adding to its allure are underwater columns from ancient civilizations, some reaching heights of 20-25 meters, which further enrich Lake Van's historical and visual charm, according to the diver.
"These features collectively make Lake Van a captivating destination for nature enthusiasts and history buffs alike," Atacan said.
