Eastern Turkey Adventures

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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.