The ancient city of Van has harboured dozens of great civilisations in the course of its old history from the Urartian Empire until our modern times. And every five steps remnants of this ancient history become apparent. Every square meter of this fertile soil is welling with richness and is the very source of life. The salt water that streams down the cliffs and mountains of Van and makes its way to the village Canik of the district Tuşba, is a vital subsistence of the locals. This salty mountain water is meeting the needs of salt for the entire region for years and is being frequently visited by countless local and international tourists. Van's spring water is providing Van and surrounding cities as well with their basic needs. It is also said to be a cure for illnesses like Asthma and Bronchitis.

“IT FERMENTS AND TURNS TO SALT”

Salt water employee Hamit Oflas stated that the salty water streams from the high mountain cliffs of Van to their village and said: "We have installed some pipes, which lead to a reservoir we prepared, to direct the water from those high cliffs to our village. At the beach of the Lake Van we have built 12 reservoirs, in which we collect that salt water. The water remains about 20 days in the first pool, where it begins to ferment and is led afterwards to the other couple of pools. Over the time the water develops salt, which we gather at the end."

“100 % NATURAL”

Oflas pointed out that they are making a yield of 600 tons of salt in two months alone, giving following insight into his job: "We are twelve employees working in those pools and from morning to evening we are at the trot. Due to the frosty weather we can only extract the salt during the two months of the spring. The gained salt is used in the kitchen and for the preparation of all sorts of food. This rock salt, as we call it, turns after a long stay in water that was previously saturated with salt into what we call flower salt, which is used for cooking. When dissolving in salt water this flower salt, that has the form of tiny crystals, floats to the surface of the water. The rock salt contains pure Sodium and Chloride, and nothing else. It is 100% natural. This has been even verified by the Health Ministry and is therefore in great demand."

A NATURAL CURE FOR ILLNESSES

This rock salt or flower salt is being used for cooking and has a positive effect on many illnesses. The people add this salt to cheese, pickled cabbage, meat and much more. This salt is also effective against a couple of illnesses. Since this salt is organic, it is more appreciated than convenient table salt from the super market. According to some reports, the rock salt is beneficial for the stomach as it facilitates the gut activity. It also is a cure against nervousness, thyroid issues, Asthma and Bronchitis.