Turkey's Tuz Gölü turns pink as Rize highlands shrouded in mist

The salt lake straddling Aksaray, Konya and Ankara provinces, Turkey's main source of salt, displayed a striking pink hue. Scientists attribute the colour to pigment‑producing algae that thrive under rising summer temperatures and increased salinity. The phenomenon, captured by drones, also highlights the lake’s role as a breeding ground for flamingos and a seasonal draw for thousands of visitors.

In the Çamlıhemşin district of Rize, high‑altitude plateaus such as Huser, Avusor, Pokut, Sal and Gito were enveloped by a dense sea of fog. Drone footage showed the mist‑filled landscape resembling a flowing ocean, attracting nature enthusiasts, photographers and tourists. The area, known for its endemic plant species and pastoral activities, offered a dramatic backdrop that further boosted regional tourism.