It has a surface area of about 5,200 kmÂ ( 2,000 mileÂ ) . At its biggest extent , it is about 140 km ( 87 miles ) long , and 55 km ( 34 miles ) wide . It is the largest lake in the Middle East , and the third largest salt water lake on earth , with a surface area of approximately 5,200 kmÂ ( 2,000 mileÂ ) , 140 km ( 87 miles ) length , 55 km ( 34 miles ) width , and 16 m ( 52 ft ) depth .