Lake Van Monster
| Grouping | Cryptid |
|---|---|
| Sub grouping | Lake monster |
| First reported | 1889 |
| Country | Turkey |
| Region | Lake Van, Van |
| Habitat | Water |
The Lake Van Monster, Turkish: Van Gölü Canavarı) is a lake monster that allegedly lives in Lake Van in eastern Turkey.
History
Researches showed the creature was first mentioned in the Saadet newspaper on April 29th, 1889.[1] Following these reports the Turkish government sent an official scientific survey group to the lake who failed to spot the creature.
In 1997 a local man called Unal Kozak claimed to have captured the creature on video which was sent for analysis. He has since written a book about the monster. His video is under constant criticism, with questions like why it never pans left, possibly because of a boat that may have carried the creature. Or why the monster only goes straight, instead of curving through the water. Even criticism as to why the breathing is not in and out, but a continuous release, much like the effects of an air hose.
A 4-meter high statue based on reported sightings has been erected to its honor in Van, Turkey.
Skeptics point out that the region would benefit from tourist revenue and a hoax might attract visitors.[2]
Popular culture
The Lake Van Monster appears in The Secret Saturdays episode "The Unblinking Eye." This version resembles a Mosasaurus-like creature.
Animal X Classic Series (an Australian television show) episode #3 features the Van Lake Monster.
Josh Gates and his team search for the Van Lake monster on Destination Truth. Season 3, episode 305 Alien Mummies/Van Lake Monster.
See also
References
- ↑ http://www.milliyet.com.tr/-van-golu-canavari-121-yil-once-manset-olmus/gundem/gundemdetay/06.10.2010/1298106/default.htm
- ↑ RJ (1997). "Sea monster or monster hoax? - June 12, 1997". CNN Interactive - World News. Retrieved 2006-05-01.