NASA posts photo of 'Turkey's Maldives' threatened by state construction

The US space agency NASA posted yet another photo of Lake Salda, often dubbed "Turkey's Maldives" for its white sand beaches, which the ruling AKP has opened up for construction of a "People's Garden."

Duvar English

The United States' National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) shared yet another photo of Turkey's Lake Salda, often dubbed "Turkey's Maldives," in an Instagram post on Oct. 8. 

NASA had previously noted that the lake was geographically similar to a crater on Mars, and this time pointed out that the rocks could be indicative of the appearance of rocks on the planet.

"Ever wonder what Mars might have looked like billions of years ago?" NASA wrote. "The rocks in this photo adorn the shoreline of Lake Salda in Turkey, an area that scientists believe the #RedPlanet may have resembled billions of years ago."

"Formed over time by microbes that trap minerals and sediments in the water, this waterfront location provides some of the oldest known fossilized records of life on our planet," the space agency said. 

Ironically, the unique geographical location was opened up for construction by the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP), where a "People's Garden" is being constructed.

The public park has drawn hundreds of tourists to the area, paving the way for a devastating use of the unique beaches over the summer.