Çildir Gölü

The extensive Lake Çildir (130m/426ft deep; 128sq.km/79sq.miles) is a natural lake. It was at one time linked with the Çildir basin until a 1.5km/1mi wide and 14km/9mi long stream of lava from the Papa Dagi (2,900m/9,512ft) split it into two sections. Close to the northwestern tip of the lake near the village of Gölebelen stands a domed basilica which is now used as a mosque. Further south near Peresin and only accessible by a cross-country vehicle lie the ruins of a double church and nearby an interesting Kurdish cemetery. The remains of a church and castle can also be seen on an island known as Agenkale in the middle of the lake.