Van, Lake (vän), 1,453 sq mi (3,763 sq km), largest lake in Turkey, in E Turkey 65 mi (105 km) SW of Mt. Ararat kingdom of Ararat, called in Assyrian Urartu, was situated between the river Araks and the lakes Van and Urmia. It included all the land later called Armenia . See Urartu .
..... Click the link for more information. . Some 75 mi (120 km) long, the lake is alkaline and has no outlet; the city of Van is near the lake's east shore. The region around the lake was the site of the ancient kingdom of Urartu Urartu (

rär`t
..... Click the link for more information. (or Ararat) and is traditionally regarded as the cradle of ancient Armenia Armenia (ärmē`nēə), Armenian Hayastan, officially Republic of Armenia, republic (2005 est. pop.
..... Click the link for more information. . On the island of Akdamar is the restored Armenian Church of the Holy Cross (915–21).

Van, Lake

Salt lake, eastern Anatolia. The largest lake in Turkey, it covers an area of 1,434 sq mi (3,713 sq km) and is more than 74 mi (119 km) across at its widest point. Its greatest depth exceeds 330 ft (100 m). It is fed by precipitation and meltwater as well as by several small tributaries. It has no apparent outlet, and its brackish waters are unsuitable for either drinking or irrigation.