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Keşiş Lake (Rusa Lake) and Urartian Dam

Nature / Lake

Keşiş Lake (Rusa Lake) and Urartian Dam

İpekyolu, Van

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A reservoir on the highland above 2500 meters behind Mount Erek, created with the dams of the Urartian King Rusa II and holding water for 2700 years.

Safety warning

It is on a high plateau; the road may be closed by snow in winter, and outside summer the weather can deteriorate quickly. It is in a rural area; check road, weather and security conditions locally (district governorate, gendarmerie, villagers) before visiting.

Its story

The lake, created in the time of the Urartian King Rusa II (7th century BC) by blocking a small stream on the highland with two dams, has over time taken on the appearance of a natural lake. It is called Rusa Lake after its builder, Turna Gölü (Crane Lake) because it hosts many cranes, and popularly Keşiş Gölü (Monk's Lake). At an altitude of about 2550 meters above sea level, the lake's area varies between 4 and 7 km² depending on rainfall. The Urartians carried the water taken from here through canals to the Van Plain, Tushpa and Toprakkale; the system is accepted as having worked for 2700 years. From late spring the lake's surroundings become the villages' summer pasture; it is also an important breeding area for waterbirds. The dam point is a good stop for seeing ancient water engineering on site.

Key facts

Period
7th century BC (Rusa II)
Altitude
~2550 m
Getting there
~30 km from central Van, highland road
Visit duration
1–2 hours

Trip purpose

  • Seasonal
  • Photography
  • Quiet
  • Hiking

Location

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38.46659, 43.58147

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Source: Web derlemesi (doğrulanmalı): https://tr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keşiş_Gölü | https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Menua_Canal | https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q139421318