The famous Balıklı Lake in Şanlıurfa is known by everyone; however, there is another Balıklı Lake in the Polatlı district of Ankara, where nature and history are intertwined.

This lake located in Polatlı Ilıca Village draws attention not only with its natural beauty but also with its historical and mystical stories.

A journey into the historical depths of Ilıca Village

The history of Ilıca Village dates back to the 1500s.

The village, which was established when nomadic tribes adopted a settled life, was first established around the Ilıca water.

The village was invaded by the Greeks during the Battle of Sakarya and while it was connected to Haymana at that time, it was connected to Polatlı in 1928.

There is also a mound (ancient settlement area) from the Roman period in the village.

The current Balıklı Lake is located right next to this mound.

The mystical story of Balıklı Lake

Balıklı Lake in Polatlı is considered sacred by the local people.

The stories told about the fish living in the lake’s waters are quite interesting:

According to the people, during the Battle of Sakarya and the Cyprus Peace Operation, the fish in the lake mysteriously disappeared, and when the war ended, some of them reappeared injured.

These events strengthened the belief that fish are “protectors” or “spiritual beings”.

Natural beauty and spiritual atmosphere

Today, Balıklı Lake has become a spiritual stopover not only for the people of Ilıca Village, but also for visitors from surrounding settlements.

Visitors find peace around the lake, listen to stories and are alone with history in the silence of nature.

Fikret Yıldız, one of the writers of Bîrnebûn Magazine, explained both the historical and cultural value of Balıklı Lake for Şoperêç.