Kizören Obrouk. 02/05/06; Konya; 127 ha; 38°20'N 033°20'E. Archaeological restricted area. A good example of an Anatolian "obrouk", a deep freshwater (groundwater) lake formed in a karstic depression. Situated on a huge, arid steppic plain, the site is extremely important as the region's only freshwater source. The dominant vegetation cover is formed by steppic plants, resistant to arid conditions and surviving in soil that is calcium carbonate dominant. Nine globally threatened plant species are present. The area around the lake, within the Ramsar site, is rich in archeological remains, as there is a Silk Road caravansary from Byzantine times and a mosque and several houses from the Seljuk era. Though population density is low, a prolonged dry period (eight years as of 2005) has put pressure on the groundwater level through over-use by farmers. Ramsar site no. 1620.Most recent RIS information: 2006.