is in Turkey s Lake District. It is Turkey s third largest lake after Lake Van and the Salt Lake, and the country s largest freshwater lake. This region has been settled since Neolithic times, and the area southeast of the lake around the city of Beysehir has numerous archaeological remains, including the carved Hittite monuments of Fasillar and Eflatunpinar. The forested mountain backdrop and extraordinary pale blue waters of the lake create a scene of picture postcard beauty, particularly at the eastern end of the lake. In 1993 the area was declared a national park, both on account of its beauty and to preserve the rich flora and fauna. Beysehir National Park is Turkey s largest, with an area of 88,750 hectares. Kubdabad Palace was built by the Turkish Seljuk Sultan Alaeddin Keykubad in 1236. The stucco and tiling decoration of the palace are remarkable. Following the collapse of the Seljuks, Beysehir became capital of the Turkish Esrefogullari Principality, declining in importance in Ottoman times. The most important historic buildings in Beysehir date from the Esrefogullari period and include Esrefogullari Mosque, thought to date from the 13th century. This is Turkey s largest columned mosque with a flat ceiling and wooden roof, and the stone and wood carving, tiling and mosaic, are exquisite examples of Seljuk-style decoration. And finally, while you are in Beysehir do not forget to taste the delicious fish caught in the lake.

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