Qarah Kul

Qarah Kul (also spelled Kara-Kul or Karakul; Kyrgyz: Кара-Көл, romanized: Kara-Köl; Tajik: Қароқул, romanized: Qaroqul; Russian: Каракуль, romanized: Karakul) refers to several related entities in Central Asia:

• Qarah Kul (lake): A high-altitude lake located in the Pamir Mountains of Tajikistan. It is a large endorheic lake, meaning it has no outflow. The lake is notable for its stark beauty, desolate surroundings, and high salinity. The name translates literally to "black lake" in several Turkic languages.

• Karakul (sheep): A breed of sheep originating from Central Asia, known for its distinctive curly fleece. The fleece is highly prized and used to produce karakul fur, also known as astrakhan, broadtail, or Persian lamb. The name of the breed is often linked to the lake, suggesting a possible origin in the region.

• Karakol (Tajikistan), formerly Qarah Kul (village): A small village located near the lake in Tajikistan. The village serves as a base for travelers exploring the region and provides basic services.

The spelling of the name can vary depending on the transliteration from the local languages (Kyrgyz, Tajik, Russian) and the context. When referring to the lake, "Qarah Kul" or "Kara-Kul" are common. When referring to the sheep breed or fur, "Karakul" is most frequently used.