Newsletters
A little-known lake in the Akdag Gurcu Plateau, about 1,500 meters (4,921 feet) above sea level in Samsun, northern Türkiye, has drawn attention after drone footage captured the highland lake and nearby Lake Ladik within the same panoramic view.
Located in the Ladik district, the secluded lake also serves as a natural watering place for wildlife, including free-roaming horses, wolves and birds, while the surrounding highlands offer views of the nearby ski resort.
The Gurcu Plateau is known for its natural landscapes and wildlife, although its small lake remains relatively unfamiliar to visitors.
Free-roaming horses, locally known as yilki horses, wander across the plateau and rely on the lake for water, alongside other wild animals that gather around its shores.
According to local educator and author Hadi Ergul, who grew up in the area, the lake also provides a place where animals can rest, drink and protect their young.
Ergul said the landscape holds particular significance for him because of his childhood memories of spending time at the lake with friends.
"We used to skip stones across this lake and hold stone-skipping competitions. Unfortunately, as those beautiful experiences have given way to technology, children of the new generation are not even aware of them," he recalled.
Despite its natural setting, the Gurcu Plateau lake has largely remained off the usual visitor route.
Ergul explained that tourists generally stop to explore the plateau and look out toward the ski resort across the landscape before heading back, often overlooking the nearby lake.
He emphasized that the opportunity to take in both the highland lake and Lake Ladik from a single viewpoint creates a distinctive atmosphere.
"It's a mysterious lake, and certainly not a very well-known one. Visitors come, see the plateau and the ski resort on the opposite side, and then leave. In fact, watching the ski resort from here, while the two lakes appear to face each other, brings out different emotions and creates a spiritual atmosphere," Ergul said.
Recent drone footage has brought the two lakes together in a single frame, highlighting the landscape of Akdag Gurcu Plateau and its largely overlooked natural surroundings.
Set as preferred source
Set as preferred source
2 min read
