Lake Cildir Lake Çıldır is a freshwater lake located in northeast Turkey, close to the borders of Georgia and Armenia. Spanning 123 square kilometers and sitting at an altitude of 1959 meters above sea level, the lake is surrounded by natural beauty and features a restaurant, a few short trails, and other amenities for visitors to enjoy. With a maximum depth of 42 meters, Lake Çıldır was formed as a natural barrier between Armenia and Turkey. The only outlet of the lake is a waterway called Telek Stream, which is fed by numerous streams and springs and eventually connects to Arpaçay at the border with Armenia. Several islands can be found in the lake, with the largest being Akcakale located next to the ruins. The area around the lake is primarily used for livestock farming, with little vegetation present. Fishing is a major economic activity in the region, with a variety of fish available year-round, including carp (Cyprinus carpio), which are caught by breaking through the ice during the winter months. The northwest area of the lake is primarily composed of marshes and wetlands separated by a bank, with little agriculture due to harsh conditions.