Lake Shalkar is a picturesque natural landmark of Western Kazakhstan. Located in the Terekti District of the West Kazakhstan Region, the lake is recognized for its ecological, scientific, cultural, recreational, and aesthetic significance. It belongs to the Ural River Basin and is fed by the Sholakankaty and Yesenankaty Rivers. When the water level rises to 15.5 meters, an outlet river begins to flow from the lake. The surrounding area provides habitat for numerous bird species, including swans, geese, ducks, flamingos, and gulls.
Since ancient times, Lake Shalkar has attracted human settlement and attention. Its shores were inhabited by the Oghuz and Pecheneg tribes, followed later by Kipchak and other Turkic peoples, who are regarded as the ancestors of the Kazakh nation. Historical evidence of this can be found in the writings of the Arab traveler and scholar Ahmad ibn Fadlan. During his journey from Khwarezm to Volga Bulgaria in 921-922 AD, he noted the presence of Oghuz and Pecheneg communities in the area. He also described the Shamar, Ankaty, and Vabna (Lesser Ankaty) Rivers, referring to them as “great rivers.”
Local residents often call Shalkar the “Little Sea.” The lake is considered extremely ancient, and its origin remains a subject of scientific discussion. According to one of the most widely accepted theories, Lake Shalkar is a remnant of the ancient Khvalyn Sea, which covered parts of the Caspian Lowland thousands of years ago.
One of the lake’s most distinctive features is its saline sodium-chloride mineral water. The water contains calcium bicarbonate, magnesium, hydrochloric compounds, and other minerals beneficial to human health. Owing to these natural properties, the lake has long attracted people to its shores. Settlements existed in the area as early as the 10th century, and throughout history it served as a stopping point for merchants and religious missionaries.
Today, Lake Shalkar is regarded as one of Kazakhstan’s most valuable natural sites, renowned for its unique ecosystem, rich historical heritage, and scenic landscapes.
Source: ruh.kz