Lake Avlan

Avlan Lake is a karstic lake located in the district of Elmalı, Antalya province. The lake's altitude above sea level is 1030 m, and its natural size is 850 hectares. Together with Karagöl, the lake lies in the Elmalı Polyesi at an altitude of 1030–1050 m. The Elmalı polyesi stretches between Mount Elmalı and the Bey Mountains. The area where the lake is situated has a limestone structure. Avlan Lake formed in the deepest part of the Elmalı Polyesi.

Based on geologist Dr. Hans Stark's 1951 report, it was decided in 1970 to drain the lake. Between 1975 and 1980 a canal was opened, the waters were diverted to the Başgöz River, and the lake dried up. The draining of the lake caused many adverse effects: drought, damage to vegetation, and a reduction in biodiversity, especially of water birds. Rainfall, which was 807 mm before the draining, fell to 439 mm afterwards. After the lake was re‑created, rainfall could rise only to 519 mm. Migratory birds fed and controlled their populations, the cedar leaf butterfly multiplied, and drying began in cedar trees. When the lake was drained, the Elmalı‑Finike road that crossed its middle continued to be used for a long time after the lake was restored.

Following signatures collected from the villagers of the district of Elmalı, including citizens who had taken fields from the drained lake area, a decision was made to revive the lake. In 2001 the lake covers were closed and it began to retain water. After the lake was restored, it was stocked with trout.