Bafa Lake Nature Park

Bafa Gölü is a natural dam lake located within the boundaries of Aydın and Muğla provinces, possessing significant natural, archaeological, and ecological value. In antiquity, it was a bay of the Aegean Sea until its connection with the sea was severed by the accumulation of alluvium carried by the Büyük Menderes River, forming the lake as it exists today. This geological process also contributed to the formation of the Söke Plain in the region.

^{Bafa Gölü} (Milas Municipality)

Bafa Gölü is situated approximately 10 km east of Didim, along the Söke-Milas highway. The lake covers an area ranging from 7,000 to 12,281 hectares, with a length of 15.4 km, a width of 4.5 km, an average depth of 2 meters, and a maximum depth of 25 meters. To the south of the lake rise the İlbıra Mountains, while to the north lie the Beşparmak Mountains (Latmos).

The main water sources of the lake are the regular floodwaters of the Büyük Menderes River and groundwater and surface runoff from surrounding mountains. Changes in the hydrological regime of the Büyük Menderes River and the construction of flood control dams between the river and the lake have led to a decline in the lake’s water level and an increase in salinity.

^{Bafa Gölü (}Anadolu Agency⁾

Due to its rich biodiversity, Bafa Gölü is an ecologically significant site at the international level. It was declared a Nature Park by a decision of the Council of Ministers in 1994 and also holds the status of an Important Bird Area (IBA).

• Bird Species: The lake and its surroundings host 261 different bird species. Species such as the globally endangered Dalmatian Pelican and White-tailed Eagle breed here. During winter months, tens of thousands of greylag geese and common pochards, along with little bittern, marsh harrier, black kite, little grebe, great white pelican, grey duck, reed warbler, purple heron, and flamingos inhabit and feed in the lake. The spoonbill nests on the lake’s islets, while the white-tailed eagle breeds on the Beşparmak Mountains adjacent to the lake.

• Aquatic Life: The lake’s richness in zooplankton and aquatic vegetation supports fish species such as mullet, sea bass, snakehead, and the endemic Ulubat fish (Acanthobrama mirabilis), found only in the Büyük Menderes Basin.

• Vegetation: The lake’s surroundings are characterized by typical Mediterranean vegetation. Olive groves and pine forests are widespread; it is reported that Turkey’s oldest known olive tree grows along the shores of Bafa Gölü. The area supports 325 species, 22 subspecies, and 7 varieties belonging to 237 genera across 80 families. Sixteen endemic plant species have been identified, including the rare Fritillaria milasense, a type of fritillary. The region is also rich in aromatic plants such as sage, İzmir thyme, black thyme, and lavender, as well as medicinal chamomile and edible herbs like thyme, chickenweed, sorrel, and şevketi bostan.

^{Bafa Gölü (}Anadolu Agency⁾

Within Bafa Gölü there are five islands: İkiz Ada, Menet Adası, Kapıkırı Adası, Kahve Asar Adası, and Uyuz Ada. The tip of the İkizce Peninsula may also become an island due to rising water levels. These islands contain Byzantine-era defensive structures and monasteries, including one dedicated to the Virgin Mary.

The lake’s surroundings host numerous archaeological settlements. Remains of the ancient cities of Herakleia and Latmos, as well as the ancient theater in the village of Kapıkırı, reveal the region’s historical depth and serve as important tourist sites. Some sections of these ancient cities lie within the boundaries of the Nature Park and are designated as First-Degree Archaeological Site Area.

^{Bafa Gölü (}Anadolu Agency⁾

Along the road passing to the west of the lake, day-use coastal recreation facilities are located. Intensive fishing takes place in the lake, and rural settlements are found along the southern shore. On the flat area of the northern shore, cotton fields are cultivated, while olive groves are common along the dry and stony coastal sections.

Bafa Gölü faces several threats:

Water Quality: Alterations to the hydrological regime of the Büyük Menderes River and the construction of flood control dams between the river and the lake have increased the lake’s salinity and negatively impacted its ecosystem. Runoff from agricultural lands can cause pollution in the lake. Water samples from Bafa Gölü and its connecting channels are generally classified as NaCl type, with observed increases in Na+ and Cl- concentrations due to anthropogenic pollutants. The lake and channel waters typically fall within Class IV water quality, making them unsuitable for irrigation. However, some streams and groundwater sources are suitable for irrigation. Wastewater from fish farming facilities contributes to high ion concentrations in the channel waters.

Illegal Hunting: This poses a serious threat to the wildlife of the lake and its surroundings.

^{Bafa Gölü (}Anadolu Agency⁾

Bafa Gölü offers visitors diverse experiences through its natural diversity and range of activities. In 2004, the General Directorate of Nature Conservation and National Parks developed a Long-Term Development Plan for Bafa Gölü Nature Park. The Aydın Provincial Directorate of Environment and Forestry continues efforts to prevent illegal hunting and forest loss.

Visitors can observe birds, hike in nature, camp, and explore the lake by boat. Additional activities such as mountaineering, cycling, photo safaris, painting, landscape viewing, angling, and botanical tours can be conducted throughout the year.