Tortum Waterfall is one of the most remarkable natural treasures of Turkey next to Tortum Lake located in Tortum district, 100 km (62 mi) north of Erzurum in Eastern Anatolia Region.
The lake, 8 km (5.0 mi) long and 1 km (0.62 mi) wide, was formed as the result of a great landslide, which blocked the valley though which the Tortum River flowed. At the same time, the water sought a new outlet over a fault with a drop of 40 m (130 ft). The hollow left in the Kemerlidağ slope on the left of the valley by the fall of rock is still clearly visible.
Some geologists claim that this landslide is a very old one. These experts, among whom are to be counted a number of foreign geologists, believe that the landslide took place at the end of the Quaternary period. However, there is also another opinion on this subject that the landslide was comparatively recent and could not have occurred more than a few centuries ago.
The Tortum Waterfall was the largest and most beautiful waterfall in Turkey. Since the completion of the Tortum Dam and Hydroelectric Plant in 1960, water is drawn from the lake through channels and tunnels, and allowed to rush down into the turbines. The waterfall is fed only from the surplus water and thus now functions only for a very short period during the winter months when the water level of the lake is exceptionally high. Now during the summer months, the bed of this magnificent waterfall is dry.
There is a recreation area around the waterfall for tourists visiting the site. An observation platform allows the visitors a close sight to the waterfall. A staircase leads to the underneath of the waterfall.
After the great waterfall with its drop of 48 m (157 ft), the river flowed over a series of cascades until its arrival in the Tevs Valley. The combination of cascades and waterfall is particularly beautiful.
At the same time, four small lakes were formed on the rubble from the landslide by water seeping from underground through the material from the rock fall. The water of these lakes is remarkably clear and blue.
These four small lakes, Incegöl, Karagöl, Efendigilin Gölü and Nazlıgilin Gölü, contain large quantities of trout. The Tortum Lake is surrounded by limestone marls of the Cretaceous period. Earth pillars can be seen on the eastern shores of the lake. The view of the lake from the steep slopes along the edge is particularly beautiful. As this is a landslide lake its depth begins from zero and reaches 100 m (330 ft) in the deepest part. The lake lies about 100 m (330 ft) above sea level.
