Lake Van children's hair turns blonde from soda water

Children swimming in Lake Van experience a natural change in hair color, turning blonde due to the combination of the lake’s soda-rich water and intense summer sunlight.

Local residents note that children who swim in the lake once or twice a day can see their hair turn yellow within approximately four weeks. This phenomenon is particularly noticeable in the Yaylıyaka neighborhood. The effect is temporary; once the swimming season ends and contact with the water decreases, the hair eventually returns to its original color.