Sultanhanı/Aksaray
Sultanhani Caravanserai, located about 40 km (25 mi) from Aksaray on the way from Konya, was built in the 13th century as a safe trading post and way station on the Silk Road. Constructed between 1229 and 1236 by Turkish Sultan Alaaddin Keykubat I, the Sultanhani Caravanserai has been restored numerous times over its eight centuries of existence. Over time, the caravanserai became a stopover for traders heading to Istanbul.
For me, the Sultanhani Caravanserai resembled an ancient Turkish mansion with its intricate carvings, huge arches, and pillars outside, and thick walls between the different rooms inside. I loved my 20 minutes there, appreciating the history and imagining what it was like back then. Though there’s not much to see or do, it’s a leisurely stop with no rush or push to explore the caravanserai.
The star attraction in Cappadocia is the hot air balloon ride. It cost almost RM1000.00, but it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience. My first ever balloon ride required waking up at 4 am, and by 5 am, I was heading from the hotel to a small café in Cappadocia for breakfast. Before 7 am, I arrived at the open area for the hot air balloon ride.
Getting into the basket looked simple but wasn't. You need help to climb inside, and those guys will assist you. Inside the basket, there were at least 10 people, quite cramped with hardly any space to move. It’s a one-direction standing experience, but it's all part of the adventure. As the balloon slowly ascended, the stunning aerial view of Cappadocia unfolded. Drifting with the wind, the basket moved in various directions. After the ride, we celebrated with champagne and received certificates for our bravery.
The hot air balloon ride was wonderfully arranged from start to finish. Kudos to the organizers.
Avanos' most important industry is pottery production, which probably dates back to Hittite times and uses clay from the red silt of the Kızılırmak. The town is also a popular tourist destination because of its attractive old town and riverside location.
In Avanos Town, I stood at the hilltop for a nature breather and pigeon watching. Of course, taking picturesque photos was a must. Cappadocia is famous for its beautiful natural rock formations, which you can see from the hot air balloon and also from Avanos. It felt like a stress buster standing at the hilltop, looking at the surroundings and enjoying the moment.
Be prepared to
crawl, bend, tilt, and walk sideways. The guide warned us about the lack of
ventilation and the narrow, tight passageways inside, and to be honest, I was
in two minds about going in. But I went ahead because it’s a once-in-a-lifetime
experience.
Kaymakli
Underground City features an intricate system of tunnels, chambers, and
galleries excavated deep into the volcanic tuff rock. The city can hold up to
3,000 people and is over 85 meters deep. As you explore, you'll come across
low, winding passages, steep stairs, and rooms used for various purposes.
You can see
water wells, storage spaces, and ventilation shafts. Some areas, including a
church, stables, and kitchens, were used as social gathering places. There are
also burial chambers where the dead were buried inside the city walls.
Emerging from the Underground City of Kaymakli made me feel as though I had achieved something monumental, and thankfully, my palpitations and anxiety didn't hit me while I was down there.
The Goreme Open-Air Museum is one of Turkey's UNESCO World Heritage Sites, showcases the best collection of painted cave-churches. These caves were carved by medieval Orthodox Christian monks between 1000-1200 AD from the soft volcanic stone and decorated with elaborate Byzantine frescoes depicting scenes from the Bible. The site offers a unique look into early Christian life with its rock-cut churches and monasteries, all set against the backdrop of Cappadocia's unique landscape, creating a memorable experience.
Anitkabir in Ankara is the state-of-the-art mausoleum honoring and remembering Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founder and first President of the Republic of Turkey and the leader of the War of Independence. It is synonymous with the history of Turkey and Ataturk himself. The site includes a collection of precious items, books, and more.
The changing of the guards is another notable attraction. Additionally, Anitkabir is the resting place of Ismet Inonu, the second President of Turkey, who passed away in 1973. His tomb, on the opposite side of the Ceremonial Ground, faces Ataturk's Mausoleum.
Anitkabir is set in a vast open area with monumental structures stretching into the distance. It evoked a sense of inner happiness for me, and I absolutely loved it.
Bolu is one of the most enchanting provinces of Turkey, located approximately halfway between Istanbul and Ankara. It is famous for its dense forests, fauna, modern hot spring facilities, and some of the best chefs in the country. We had an overnight stop in Bolu, where it was already snowing, making it feel like a white Christmas. It was my first time seeing snow, and there was a mini forest next to the hotel where I stayed. I had a lot of fun playing in the snow. Otherwise, there was no sightseeing, just a leisurely stop on our journey through Turkey.
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