Meyil Lake

The Meyil Lake, located within the boundaries of Karapınar district in Konya, is a karstic structure that turns pink due to a drop in water levels and the presence of Artemia salina bacteria.

When temperatures increase and salination rises, algae produce a red-orange pigment called beta-carotene to protect themselves from harmful sunlight. This process transforms the lake's color into red or pink, which lasts until the rainy season, when the lake returns to its original state.

The change in color is due to a significant increase in bacteria caused by the decrease in water levels, as seen in Tuz Lake and Meke Lake in the region. The Meyil Sinkhole, with a one-kilometer diameter, is one of the oldest in the northern region of Karapınar and is filled with underground water. The water in the lake is salty and supports only Artemia salina bacteria, with no other creatures present.

The situation at Meyil Lake is similar to Tuz and Meke lakes, where the water levels can cause the color to turn red. Locals believe that the lake’s pink hue has made it more inviting for tourists.

As temperatures rise, the lake’s waters recede, marking the start of the “salt harvest.” For about three months each year, the country’s salt producers flock to the dry areas of the lake to extract salt from deposits. This lake is a significant source of salt for the country, with a purity rate of 99% and exports to more than 60 countries.