Континент, знаменитый своими пустынями и древней history, and boasts quite a large reservoirs. Standing on their shore, it is often difficult to imagine that there are around a thousand square kilometers of waterless land. And most of all, Lake Tana is amazing - a watery surface, seemingly boundless and full of the most diverse life.
The geographical position of the lake
It is the largest water reservoir onthe territory of Ethiopia. In addition, in addition to a well-established name, Lake Tana on the map of Africa can sometimes occur as Zan (a variant of writing and reading Latin characters) or Dembea, similar to the name of a country that adjoins the northern coast. 11 ° 35 "-12 ° 16" s are considered to be more or less exact coordinates. sh. and 34 ° 39 "-35 ° 20" c. D. Why not absolutely accurate? Because in the rainy season Lake Tana occupies a larger area than in dry. It absorbs the waters of many diverse arteries - from fairly large rivers, the largest of which is Abbai, to almost imperceptible streams. But only one river flows out of it - Bar-El-Azrek, also called the Blue Nile. Lake Tana abounds in islands of various sizes, but always small; The total area of isolated land is about 50 square kilometers, which, against the background of at least 3,000 (in dry time) square kilometers of water, seems to be a trifle.
Potential of Lake Tana
I must say that it is not for nothing that several countries in theirtime claimed sole ownership of this huge reservoir. According to approximate calculations, the construction of power stations on it could provide electricity to all of Africa - about 60 billion kWh would be enough for the whole continent. But at the moment there is only one such station, and there are certain complaints about it: the construction has greatly reduced the flow in the waterfall with the romantic name Tis-Isat - “Smoke of Fire”.
Lake Tana in Africa abounds in fish, shellfish, andcrabs Their mining is one of the main sources of food for local residents. There are quite a few birds that lodge along the shores and on the islets. An additional bonus is the absence of crocodiles in the lake’s waters, which are infested with all the rivers flowing into Tanu. Although there are plenty of hippos here, but if you don’t touch them, they peacefully coexist with people.
In recent years, Lake Tana is increasingly gaining popularity among tourists. They are attracted by local beauty, historical monuments and religious shrines.
Religious values
Как уже было сказано, озеро Тана усыпано small islands. In total there are 37 of them. More than half of them built temples, churches and monasteries. In their repositories, priceless ancient manuscripts and handwritten Bibles are saved, many walls are painted with unique frescoes, ancient Coptic crosses are preserved, and in the monastery they are allowed to look at the mummies of kings. The most mysterious monastery is located on the island of Tana-Kirkos. It is almost impossible to get there, although many believers would willingly kneel in the monastery. According to legend, it was here that for eight centuries the priests hid from the desecration of the Ark of the Covenant. However, those who wish can visit the monasteries of Ura Kidane Mehret (Zege peninsula), Narga Selassie (Dec), the monastery of Jesus.
Natural and historical monuments
In addition to the already mentioned waterfall, Lake Tana inAfrica boasts the fact that not far from it is the highest Ethiopian peak of Ras Dashen. On it, too, since ancient times were temples, but more he is known for his picturesque. You should still look at the waterfalls, although they are not as impressive as before the construction of the station. But there, from the 17th century, a stone bridge built by the Portuguese has been preserved. From the point of view of architecture, the city of Gondar, which is located not far from the lake, is very curious: you will not see such a number of castles anywhere else. And the fortress Fasil-Gebbi amazes the imagination of even many travelers who have seen it. And it is worth, of course, swimming with local fishermen in the morning: the combination of wonderful views and the exotic appearance of a “gondolier” (they still use national attires, and not to attract tourists), will probably be remembered for a lifetime.
How was the lake formed?
All the great African reservoirs got their"Bed" as a result of the rift fault. Because of this, they differ in considerable depth. It is quite another thing - Lake Tana, the origin of the basin of which is the dam. That is, as a result of a tectonic trough in ancient times, a long and wide valley was formed. Small rivers flowed along its bottom. And as a result of the eruption of the volcano and the earthquake associated with it, the drains were plugged. Out of the "trap" found (or struck for himself) only the Blue Nile. That is why even in the deepest place and during the flood period, Lake Tana barely reaches a depth of 14 meters, and in the dry months and not at all deeper than 10.
