1 July 2026
When the Water Is Gone
A childhood memory of a small lake 45 minutes from Ankara. Years later the road is the same, but the lake is gone: a cracked hollow, a dry bed. Water left, and with it, everyone.
Key takeaways
- Environmental degradation near Ankara has led to the complete physical disappearance of local water bodies.
- The loss of water sources triggers immediate human migration, leaving once-vibrant ecosystems entirely deserted.
- Historical climate stability is being replaced by arid, cracked landscapes in regions previously known for their water resources.
A childhood memory of a small lake 45 minutes from Ankara — shaded, still, quiet. Years later the road is the same, the turns are the same, but the lake is gone: a cracked hollow, a dry bed. Water left, and with it, everyone.
Sources and related research
Sources
- Original essayekonomigazetesi.com