A large part of the lake in Büyükçekmece has dried up, and sheep have started grazing.

Due to the rapid increase in drought and lack of rainfall in recent years, water levels in Istanbul's dams continue to drop rapidly. As of October 22, 2025, the dams' total occupancy rate was measured at 23.34 percent. Lake Büyükçekmece, one of the city's major water resources, is also rapidly depleting. Measurements taken on the same date recorded the dam's total occupancy rate at 27.86 percent.

Aerial footage from a drone revealed the drought, with shepherds seen grazing sheep in the parched fields.

UAV

Reporter: News Center