Revived Gümüşdere Lake in Sivas Attracts Healing Seekers

After drying up three years ago, the lake in Gümüşdere village, about 50 km from Sivas city centre, has refilled and is reported to have therapeutic properties. Local residents say the water helps with scabies, eczema and other skin ailments, noting that tests showed the water contains about 17 % soda and no harmful animals.

The revived lake has become a popular spot for locals and visitors from abroad. Former village head Veli Karavelioğlu described the site as “Uyuz Çermiği,” a place where people come for relief from skin conditions. Residents Ahmet Derin and Ali Atalay recounted personal experiences of the water easing itching and other skin problems, and highlighted the growing weekend crowds.

The influx of tourists is boosting the village’s profile, with people traveling from across Turkey and overseas to seek the lake’s reputed healing benefits.