Scientific Workshop on Lake Burdur held at MAKÜ

Yayın Tarihi | 21 October 2025, Tuesday

Teknofest

In the workshop held with the participation of Turkish and French scientists, the climatic, geological, biological, and archaeological aspects of Burdur Lake were discussed scientifically.

 

In the workshop, the drought experienced in the lake, the effects of climate change, and solution proposals for the protection of the lake were discussed with the contributions of academic and bureaucratic stakeholders. The event also paved the way for the development of new scientific collaborations between Turkish and French researchers.

 

The opening speech was made by the Director of Salda Lake Science Center, Prof. Dr. İskender Gülle. In his speech, Gülle emphasized the environmental and scientific importance of Burdur Lake for both the province and the country:

“Today, we have come together for an international workshop where we will address the scientific features of Burdur Lake with the contributions of esteemed scientists from France. Since its establishment, our university has made significant progress in these areas by organizing numerous scientific meetings on Burdur and Salda lakes.” he said.

 

Prof. Dr. İskender Gülle also mentioned the previously organized 'Workshop on the Problems and Solutions of Burdur Lake' (2012), 'Burdur Lake Shore Management Workshop' (2016), and the meeting titled 'Protection and Sustainable Use of Drying Shore Areas of Burdur Lake', expressing that it is a source of pride that this year's event has gained an international dimension.

 

Prof. Dr. Gülle stated that within the scope of the workshop, the paleolimnological structure of the lake, the effects of climate change from past to present, its hydrogeological and geothermal potential, and bioecological features will be scientifically addressed.

 

Following the opening, MAKÜ Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Hakan Öner also drew attention to the water loss experienced in the lake:

“We used to say 'Welcome to Burdur, the land of lakes, roses, and hearts'. However, unfortunately, the change that Burdur Lake has undergone over the years saddens us all. I believe that this workshop will be an important step towards the revival of the lake. Every scientific proposal is a drop of science falling into our lake.” he said.

 

Prof. Dr. Öner stated that approximately 40% of the water loss in the lake occurs due to evaporation, climate change, and human impact, and said, “Every individual and institution needs to take responsibility to reverse this situation.”

 

In the workshop, Dr. Elisabeth Gibert-Brunet from France Sorbonne University, Assoc. Dr. Alina Tudryn from Paris Saclay University, and Prof. Dr. Erdal Koşun from Akdeniz University made presentations and shared their research on the geological structures, fault lines, sedimentation processes, and climate changes around Burdur Lake.

 

In the workshop, which will last for two days on October 21-22, different topics such as the future of the lake, biological diversity, geothermal energy potential, the geochemistry of underground and surface waters, and field applications will be addressed in 12 sessions.

 

In addition to MAKÜ Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Hakan Öner, the event was attended by Burdur Municipality Deputy Mayor Atam Gülcü, Dr. Elisabeth Gibert-Brunet from France Sorbonne University, Assoc. Dr. Alina Tudryn from Paris Saclay University, retired faculty member Prof. Dr. Nevzat Özgür from Isparta Süleyman Demirel University, Prof. Dr. Erdal Koşun from Akdeniz University, Dr. Su Güneş Kabaklı, representatives from DKMP 6th Regional Directorate and the Provincial Directorate of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change.

 

The Burdur Lake Scientific Workshop is of great importance in terms of increasing scientific awareness for the protection of the lake and developing sustainable environmental policies.