Samsam Lake
Samsam Lake is a freshwater, shallow lake located within the borders of Kulu district of Konya province. The lake is fed by rainfall, groundwater and small streams. Konya-Ankara provincial border is on the Kulu-Haymana district border. It is located 25 km west of Kulu center as the crow flies. Hacı Stream flows into Kozanlı Gökgöl, 6 km SW, without mixing with the lake. Lake waters decreased and the resulting lands began to become barren. Samsam Lake's waters flow into Kozanlı Gökgöl through a 35 km discharge channel, and Pazarözü Stream originating from Gökgöl flows into Tuz Lake. After the Gökgöl drainage channel, which was 650 ha in 1993, it now covers an area of 50 ha. The lake surroundings are covered with meadows. The bottom of the lake, which dries completely at the end of summer, is covered with grass. Wheat farming and animal husbandry are carried out around the lake. The swordbill, which stays here during migration, has gained protection status for the lake. Cranes and waterfowl can be seen on the lake in winter. The lake had salt water before being connected to Kozanlı Gökgöl via the discharge channel. Although the lake has been dried to gain agricultural land, no productivity can be obtained from the salty soil. Sugar beet cultivation, which requires excess water, increases the pressure on groundwater. There is a danger of desertification in the land. Samsam Lake basin forms the northern part of the Konya closed basin. Samsam Lake. It feeds Gökgöl in Kozanlı with a drainage channel.
