Lake Tuz Turns Pink in Summer

Lake Tuz, located within the borders of Aksaray, Ankara, and Konya, has turned shades of pink and red as rising summer temperatures and increased evaporation push the lake’s salinity to its highest levels. The striking color change is the result of a natural biological process.

The algae Dunaliella salina and halobacteria that thrive in the lake begin producing red pigments to protect themselves from intense sunlight and the highly saline environment. These pigments give the lake its distinctive pink and reddish hues during the summer months.

The seasonal transformation creates spectacular scenery, drawing photographers, nature enthusiasts, and visitors eager to witness one of Türkiye’s most remarkable natural phenomena.

One of Türkiye’s most important salt production sites, Lake Tuz is also known for its unique ecosystem and its dramatic seasonal color changes.