“There is no lake here, the lake is down there!” An inquiry on the transformation of environment and culture in Burdur Region.

Abstract: Burdur Lake, which is located in southwest of Turkey in Lake Region, and has been drying rapidly in the last 30 years. Disappearance of the water from the lake brings dramatic changes to the region on both socio-economic and cultural levels. This paper explores the processes that brought Burdur Lake and its locals to the point where the lake is today. Transformations in cultural habits and everyday life will be examined in parallel to state regulations, acts and their results.