“The Lake of Changing Colors”… Shafaq News’ lens captures a rare scene from Kurdistan
“The Lake of Changing Colors”… Shafaq News’ lens captures a rare scene from Kurdistan
2026-05-10
Shafaq News – Sulaymaniyah
Amid the tranquil mountainous nature of the Rania district in the Kurdistan Region, Lake “Ganawi Qorgo” appears as one of the most unusual natural phenomena in Iraq, not only because it is the largest sulfur lake in the country, but also because its waters change color to dark purple at different times of the year, in addition to its natural characteristics that have made it a focus of attention for visitors and those seeking natural treatment.
Shafaq News Agency’s camera toured the area around the lake, located five kilometers from the center of Rania towards Lake Dokan, documenting scenes that show the beauty of the place and the color gradients of the water, as well as the surrounding nature that gives the site a different character from the rest of the lakes in Iraq.
“Ganawi Qorgo,” which means “the circular lake” in Arabic, is characterized by its permanently stagnant waters and the absence of any water flow in it, which leads to the emission of a sulfurous smell that appears “foul” when exposed to sunlight, as a result of the cessation of water movement.
The lake is circular in shape, with a diameter of about 370 meters and a depth of 27 meters. It is believed that its formation dates back more than five thousand years due to natural and environmental factors far removed from human intervention.
One of the most prominent characteristics of the lake is the stability of its water level throughout the year, as it does not rise or fall despite climatic and environmental changes, while its waters are characterized by an odor similar to that of eggs and a sour taste that makes them unsuitable for drinking.
Despite this, many residents of Rania and the surrounding areas have been visiting it for many years to benefit from its water and the sand beneath its surface, which is believed to help treat some skin diseases, allergies, and itching. Some visitors swim inside the lake, while others take quantities of its water for this purpose.
“Gnawi Qorgo” is also known for the phenomenon of its water changing color, as it turns between blue, pink and purple depending on the temperatures and environmental factors, but the dark purple color remains the most prominent, giving the lake a rare visual scene that attracts attention.
According to information circulating about the lake, the change in color is due to the high salinity, the presence of certain types of algae, bacteria and chemical elements such as sulfur, in addition to the activity of some living organisms inside the lake, whose activity increases during the summer season with the rise in temperatures.
The lake is also home to a number of rare and endangered creatures and reptiles, including types of fish, shrimp and turtles that are not found in other lakes, which gives it special environmental and natural importance, in addition to its tourist value in the region.
shafaq.com
