Eastern Turkey Adventures
For many people, Turkey stops in Istanbul. Drawn here by the chance for adventure, work schedules and low wages mean a lot of foreigners don’t get an opportunity to see much of the country. Over the years I’ve been lucky enough to travel to Eastern Turkey several times, first with my now husband, and later with a group of university students. In 2001 we travelled on our own for four weeks and saw some incredible scenery and met wonderful people. The second time round was in 2004 when we were with 52 students who ate, sang, talked and danced non-stop for four days and three nights. We only managed to grab a total of twelve hours sleep over the whole trip but still had a terrific time.
Here is a selection of some of the many highlights from Eastern Turkey. The photographs are courtesy of my husband Kim Hewett.
Haystacks with Mt Ararat in the background
Kahramanmaraş saddlemakers
On the road to Erzerum
Truck drivers at Hoşapkale
Countryside around Ishak Paşa Palace, Doğubeyazit
Honey shop in Kars
Entry to the Çifte Minareli, Erzerum
Beehive houses in Harran
Me eating a banana at Zemek Dam
Armenian ruins at Ani, near Kars
Drying wool in Doğubeyazit
The last super at Deyru’z Zafaran, Mardin
Copper shop in Kahramanmaraş
Ishak Paşa Palace courtyard, Doğubeyazit
Football kids in Kars
Me & Kim on the bus going to Şanliurfa
You can learn more about my life in Turkey, the people, customs and traditions, in my book Exploring Turkish Landscapes: Crossing Inner Boundaries.
Amazing. I havent seen these places yet even though I`m Turkish.
Looks amazing… planning to see some more of Turkey in the schools winter break… need to get out of Istanbul, its great but rather stifling!!