Where In The World Is … The ‘Evil Eye Talisman’ Lake?

Somewhere in the world, you can find a volcanic lake known locally as the “evil eye talisman” or “the evil eye amulet of the world.” The lake is believed to have formed following an eruption 5 million years ago, and features a 160 foot high volcanic cone in its center (which forms the pupil of the so-called “evil eye.”

Unfortunately, drought and the unregulated use of groundwater for agricultural purposes have led the lake to dry up by 99 percent. The white deposits you can see in the photos above are salt layers that have formed in the crater lake.

While it is called Lake Meke, many people refer to the lake as “the evil eye amulet of the world” due to the way it resembles the nazar boncuğu, a blue eye-shaped talisman that is thought to ward off bad energies.

You can find Lake Meke in the central Turkish province of Konya.