Balıklıgöl Lake in Turkey Draws Growing Arab Tourist Interest

Balıklıgöl, an artificial lake created in 1996 by the State Water Works in cooperation with local residents, sits at 1,500 m on the Balıklı Yaylası in Akçaabat, Trabzon Province, about 50 km from the city centre. Surrounded by pine forests and colourful wildflowers, the lake has developed a natural appearance and is stocked with red‑spotted trout.

In recent years the site has become a hotspot for Arab tourists and photography enthusiasts, a trend local operator Adem Şahinkaya attributes to social‑media promotion. Visitors appreciate the tranquil atmosphere, picnic facilities and clear water that reveals the fish. Local resident Cengiz Gedikli notes the lake is man‑made but has blended into the landscape, contributing to the region’s emerging tourism profile.