Changes in Lake Boyukshor Over The Years

Lake Boyukshor, which is one of the significant water ecosystem located in the northeastern part of Baku, has endured transformations closely related to urbanization, industrial activity, and climate change for a long time. According to the comparison conducuted on the data obtained from historical maps, satellite imagery, and monitoring data it is observed that lake's area, depth, and physicochemical water parameters have changed dramatically over the years. Since the second half of the 20th century, the expansion of oil extraction fields, land reclamation, malfunctioning of reservoir systems, and the direct discharge of wastewater into the lake have led to a disruption of the hydrological balance and changes in the morphology of the water body. These changes were not limited to a reduction in area but also negatively affected the ecosystem's biological productivity, sediment composition, and the lake's self-restoration potential. As a result of reconstruction and ecological rehabilitation measures carried out in the last decade, some of the lake's parameters have begun to stabilize, and a relative decrease in water salinity and pollution levels has been observed. However, hydrology and ecosystem functions have not been fully restored, and continuous monitoring of processes and comprehensive ecological management remain necessary. This article provides a scientifically based analysis of the main stages of changes in Lake Boyukshor over the years, the factors that determined them, and the current ecological situation, 2020-2024 were dedicated to studying issues such as the analysis of water and land areas in this region, as well as identifying priority directions for the lake's sustainable protection.