Lake Van, known as Turkey’s largest salt soda lake, has long attracted the attention of divers and historians alike. Recently, divers discovered an amazing find at the bottom of the lake – the remains of an old village and cemetery. This new find complements the existing ruins found in Lake Van and sheds light on the rich history of the region.
Lake Van, also known as Van Gölü, is not only the largest lake in Turkey, but also the second largest in the Middle East. Its uniqueness lies in the fact that it is the largest sodium water lake in the world. Its vast expanse and unique composition make it an ideal place for archaeological research, Demirören News Agency (DHA) reported
A recent dive conducted by members of two associations in Bitlis and Van provinces uncovered sunken ruins believed to be part of a historic city. These ruins bear cross-shaped signs indicating their connection to ancient civilizations. Kumali Birol, president of the East Sea Association, expressed delight at the discovery and emphasized the importance of further research.
Because the water level in Lake Van has dropped in recent years, divers have been able to explore sites that were previously inaccessible. As a result, structures resembling a village were discovered, as well as streets and tombs with crosses and inscriptions of the Kayi tribe. The divers’ findings have been handed over to experts in order to clarify the history of the region.
Birol stressed the mysteriousness of Lake Van to divers, noting that traces of ancient civilizations can be found throughout the lake basin. He also noted that two geologists from England were brought in to analyze the finds, providing evidence that supports the theory of Noah’s Flood occurring in the Lake Van basin. These new finds, discovered at a depth of 23 meters, further support this thesis.
Lake Van has been a treasure trove for archaeologists and divers for many years. In 2017, a team from Wan Yujungchu Yil University discovered a 3,000-year-old underwater fortress while exploring the lake. These discoveries never cease to fascinate researchers and shed light on the rich history of the region.
Exploring the depths of Lake Van is a testament to the importance of preserving and exploring our natural and historical heritage. As new ruins and artifacts are discovered, our understanding of ancient civilizations expands, allowing us to piece together the mosaic of our shared past.