Lake Çıldır winter joy the eastern provinces of Turkiye

Lake Çıldır, located between the eastern provinces of Kars and Ardahan in Turkiye, has come alive with colourful scenes as winter sets in.

Eastern Anatolia’s second-largest lake has partially frozen, allowing locals to step onto the ice and enjoy traditional winter activities despite the bitter cold. Folk songs echoed across the frozen surface as people formed halay dances, while the traditional games were played on the ice.

Children took advantage of the conditions, sliding across the frozen lake on sledges. Locals described the experience as both nostalgic and joyful, saying the frozen lake offered a rare chance to relive old traditions and enjoy winter together.