Issyk Kul (also Ysyk Köl, Issyk-kol) is an endorheic lake in the northern Tien Shan mountains in northwestern Kyrgyzstan. It has a length of 182 km, a width of up to 60 km, and covers an area of 6,332 km². This makes it the second largest mountain lake in the world. Located at an altitude of 1,620m, it reaches 702m in depth. The lake is slightly saline and remains ice-free in winter. It is fed by springs and snow melt-off, and it has no outlet. Its southern shore is dominated by the ruggedly beautiful Tien-Shan mountain range.
During the Soviet era, the lake became a popular vacation resort, with numerous boarding houses and vacation homes along its northern shore. During this period the lake also served as a secret testing ground for torpedoes.
The city of Karakol (formerly Przhevalsk), administrative seat of Issyk-Kul oblast, is located near the eastern tip of the lake and is a good base for excursions into the surrounding area. Its small old core contains an impressive wooden mosque and a wooden orthodox church that was used as a stable during Soviet times.
Sevan trout (an endemic fish of Lake Sevan in Armenia) was introduced into the lake in the 1970s. While it is an endangered species in its "home" lake, it has a much better chance to survive in the Issyk Kul.
In Islamic legend, the king of the Ossounes had ass's ears. He would hide them, and order each of his barbers killed to hide his secret. One barber yelled the secret into a well, but he didn't cover the well after. The well water rose and flooded the kingdom. The kingdom is today under the waters of Issuk-kul. This is how the lake was formed, so legend says. Other legends say that four drowned cities lie at the bottom of the lake, and that it never freezes over no matter cold the winter is.
See also
External link
Last updated: 05-15-2005 21:40:02
