Kızık Balıklı Pond is a natural pond and picnic area located in Kızık village, Arguvan district of Malatya, known for the 700-year-old belief of the local people who consider the fish within it sacred.
There is a pond in Kızık village, approximately 10 kilometers from Arguvan town center. The local people consider the fish living in it sacred. These fish, also known as dishwasher fish, originally lived in a pool formed by a natural spring, but later an artificial pond was built in the lower part, and the fish now live there.
According to local narratives, when the fish die, villagers hold a funeral ceremony, and it is believed that something bad will happen to anyone who eats these fish. Such belief stories are also found in other fish ponds in Anatolia (like Balıklıgöl in Şanlıurfa), but the narrative in Kızık is local and dates back 700 years. The area around the pond is also suitable for picnics: there is a shaded area and an opportunity to sit and relax by the water.
The place is not a large tourist facility, but a small stop within village life. It is a place that those going to Arguvan can add to their route, especially when visiting other natural and historical sites in the region.
Related discoveries: Places to visit in Malatya, Natural Beauties, Malatya natural beauties, Arapgir Grand Mosque.
Guide's Note
When to Visit
Since the pond is outdoors, spring and summer months are the most suitable period. In winter, village roads and weather conditions can make access difficult, so it's more comfortable to go in the summer heat or on mild autumn days. If you plan to picnic, weekday mornings will be quieter.
How to Get There
From Malatya city center, you go to Arguvan by road, which takes about an hour. After Arguvan, you turn towards Kızık village via the Arapgir-Arguvan road; there is a distance of about 10 kilometers to the village center. Since public transport services are not frequent, plan to go by your own vehicle or by minibuses departing from Arguvan.
Transportation within Arguvan
Arguvan is a small district center. Transportation between villages is generally provided by private vehicles or village minibuses. When going to Kızık village, it is sufficient to follow the road signs; entering the village name via GPS is the most practical method.
How Much Time to Allocate
Half an hour to an hour is sufficient to visit the pond and its surroundings, take photos, and relax a bit. If you plan to picnic, you can allocate half a day, as the surrounding nature is also suitable for hiking.
Route Suggestion
Those going to Arguvan usually combine this pond with other natural and historical sites in the district. It can be added to the same day's itinerary with nearby natural areas like Kozluk Stream Canyon; it is possible to leave Malatya city center and return within the day.
Where to Stay
There are no accommodation options in Kızık village. Accommodation can be preferred in Malatya city center or Arguvan district center; for a day trip, leaving Malatya early in the morning is sufficient.
Things to Pay Attention To
There is a local belief that the fish should not be eaten; the local people are sensitive about this, so be careful not to harm the pond. Don't forget to collect your trash after a picnic, as the area is a natural place also used by villagers.
Photo Spots
The wooded area by the pond and the clarity of the water provide a good background for photos. The light is softer in the morning, and the movements of the fish near the water's surface are also more visible at these times.
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