View source for Tortum Waterfall

{{Infobox Waterfall}}
{{Location map |Turkey |width=250 |float=right
|caption=Location of Tortum Waterfall
|lat=40.65707 |long=41.65861 |position=bottom |label=Tortum Waterfall |label_size=80 |marksize=6 |display=title }}

The '''Tortum Waterfall''' is the tallest waterfall in Turkey. Since the completion of the [[Tortum Dam]] and [[Hydroelectric]] Plant in 1960, water is drawn from Tortum 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 months of May and June when the water level of the lake is exceptionally high. During the other months the bed of the waterfall is almost dry. The lake and waterfall are located in the [[Tortum]] district, {{convert|100|km|mi|abbr=on}} north of [[Erzurum]] in [[Eastern Anatolia Region]].
[[File:Tortum Waterfall.JPG|thumb|Tortum Waterfall in Eastern Turkey]]
==Tortum Lake==
The lake, {{convert|8|km|mi|abbr=on}} long and {{convert|1|km|mi|abbr=on}} wide, was formed as the result of a [[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 {{convert|48|m|ft|abbr=on}}. The hollow left in the Kemerlidağ slope on the left of the valley by the fall of rock is still clearly visible.  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 scenic. The maximum depth of the lake is {{convert|100|m|ft|abbr=on}}. The lake lies about {{convert|1,000|m|ft|abbr=on}} above sea level.

Some [[geologist]]s{{Citation needed|date=August 2015}} claim that the landslide that created the lake 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]]. Other opinions state that the landslide is comparatively recent, occurring only a few centuries ago.

[[File:Tortum Waterfall Feb.jpg|thumb| Tortum Waterfall in February]]

A recreation area around the waterfall with an observation platform allows visitors a close sightline to the waterfall. A staircase leads underneath  the waterfall. After the  waterfall (with its drop of {{convert|48|m|ft|abbr=on}}), the river flows over a series of cascades until its arrival in the Tev Valley. 

[[File:Tortum Lake Feb.JPG|thumb|Tortum Lake in February]]
===Smaller lakes===
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 lakes, Incegöl, Karagöl, Efendigilin Gölü and Nazlıgilin Gölü, contain large quantities of [[trout]].

==See also==
* [[List of waterfalls]]
* [[List of waterfalls in Turkey]]

==External links==
*[http://www.baliklikoyu.com www.baliklikoyu.com]

{{coord|40.65707|N|41.65861|E|format=dms|display=title}}
{{Waterfalls of Turkey}}

[[Category:Waterfalls of Turkey]]
[[Category:Landforms of Erzurum Province]]
[[Category:Tourist attractions in Erzurum Province]]
[[Category:Landslide-dammed lakes]]
[[Category:Lakes of Turkey]]