Just before daybreak if you look out your window you may see hundreds of hot air balloons rising up in the air, a spectacle which is not seen anywhere else in the world. This is the Cappadocia region of Central Anatolia in Turley. Home to ancient civilizations and witness to innumerable invading armies, Central Anatolia is now one of the most visited regions in the country. From adventure seekers to history buffs to those looking for a spiritual experience, tourists both local and foreign visit this area in large numbers throughout the year. I have had the good fortune to travel around the area in Spring, Summer and Winter and each season provided an opportunity for unique and exciting adventures and activities. I found it useful to rent a car and drive around as this gave me an opportunity to visit and stop at areas off the main drag.
My last trip to the area started in the Tukiye capital of Ankara, where I spent a coupe of days before heading to Cappadocia and then on to the last stop in Konya. It is a good idea to spend a couple of days exploring the area in and around Ankara when visiting Central Anatolia. On my trip I stayed at the Meyra Palace Hotel, with good amenities, a spa and an excellent restaurant, I would highly recommend it for a stay. Settlement in and around Ankara date back to Paleolithic age, it was later ion settled by the Hittites, followed by the Lydians, Greeks, Romans, Celts and Turkic peoples. The modern part of Ankara is pretty much like any other major city in Europe or Asia, the old city and fort are well preserved and there is a museum of Anatolian civilizations with artifacts dating back to prehistoric times. Another place to visit in Ankara is the ‘Anitkabir’ complex which houses the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Pasha (the founder of modern Turkey). Having spent a couple of days exploring the city, we headed out to Cappadocia which is around a 5 hr drive from Ankara.
Cappadocia has become one of Turkiye’s major tourist attractions. The major attractions include the magical fairy chimneys, the open air museum at Goreme, wonderful hikes in the Ihlara, Rose, Red and other valleys, the underground cities of Derinkuyu and Kaymakli, skiiing at Mt. Erciyes and of course hot air ballooning, the area has something interesting to offer for everyone. The main cities include Kayseri and Nevsehir, however the best place to stay and explore are the smaller towns of Goreme, Ortahisar, Uchisar and Urgup. The ‘cave hotels’ in the area provide a unique experience. There is a lively food scene as well, with the local wines quite worth sampling.
We had booked a hot air balloon ride during our summer visit through our hotel, we had to wake up at 4 and take a shuttle with the balloon company to the launch site, we were quite groggy when the balloon took off, but the beautiful views made it worth our while. After landing we were treated to some drinks and dropped back to our hotel. We visited Derinkuyu (underground city), the guides here are very knowledgeable and give we got a good historic perspective of life in the underground cities. I would like to warn readers that the narrow passage ways are a little uncomfortable if you are claustrophobic. Goreme’s open air museum is an early church and monastery and a definite to do while in Cappadocia. If one visits during the winter, Mt. Erciyes provides excellent skiing opportunities, with very skillful ski instructors if needed.
Our final stop on the trip was the city of Konya, known for its association with one of the major Sufi orders, which traces its roots to the teachings of of Jelaluddin Rumi. Many devotees of Rumi and those interested in his Sufi philosophy visit the city, specifically the Rumi museum which houses the mausoleum of Rumi and many of the later leaders of the Sufi order. I have visited the city a few times, and I have found the people very hospitable, much more so than other tourist centers in Turkiye. Every Thursday and Saturday evening there is a ‘Sama’ Ceremony’ where the whirling dervishes seek to meditate though music and dance which leads the dervish to a trance like state. It is
I hope to be back soon to visit this area which to my mind is a jewel in the crown of Turkiye!
The Open Roads 