Yayla Lake Covered With Ice, Looks Like Postcard

March 5, 2019

Yayla Lake is located in the Buldan district of Denizli and 180 bird species call it home. The lake was covered with 15 centimeters of ice and the image of birds on the postcard-like setting became a centre of attention to hikers and photographers.

Yayla Lake, located in the Süleymanlı Village, 8 kilometres away from the Buldan district of Denizli; froze due to the cold weather affecting the region. The lake is around 50 hectares and at the altitude of 1,150 m 15 centimetres of ice was formed. The lake became the centre of attention with its natural beauty and 180 different bird species.

Buldan Yayla Lake is one of the most important values of Denizli. Many photographers and hikers from Denizli city centre and surrounding cities and districts visit the lake.

Listening to the sound of birds

The President of Buldan Natural Life Protection Association Sait Yalçın said that, with the support of the “Birds Call You” project implemented under the scope of Future is in Tourism Project, carried out by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Anadolu Efes, Yayla Lake has been drawing attention with its diversity of the birds and the ecotourism potential of the region.Yalçın asserted that, as part of the project, 163 bird species were identified during the process of compiling Buldan Yayla Lake Bird Guide in 2018, and as a result of investigations and bird counts conducted this year, 180 bird species were discovered in the lake and its surroundings.

Yalçın pointed out that the lake is covered with ice in certain periods of the winter and they welcome visitors from different parts of the city and added; “Thanks to the project of “Birds Call You”, the number of people who visit the area increase day by day, every week photographers and hikers from the city come to the lake and listen to the calling of the birds. This year, we have documented 180 bird species in the lake and its surroundings, where it is possible to see the birds both in summer and winter. Moreover, in times of frosting, birds rise above the ice. I'm also a photographer, the birds create beautiful postcard images.”

Birds Call You Project

The project aimed to uncover the tourism potential of the natural beauty of Yayla Lake, located in the Buldan district of Denizli. Buldan Yayla Lake Bird Guide was prepared by assessing the bird species of the lake and its surroundings. An alternative hiking route from Buldan to Yayla Lake was created and opened to nature lovers. With the training given to local women, Yayla Lake birds were featured in Buldan type carpet weavings which have an 8000-year-old tradition. “Birds Call You” Project, was supported by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Anadolu Efes within the scope of Future Lies in Tourism Project.