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🇹🇷Türkiye 2018
  • _byHale
  • _byHale

🇹🇷Türkiye 2018

An unforgettable journey through Turkey, from Eskişehir to Mesopotamia. Exploring Göbekli Tepe, Mount Nemrut, Mardin, Halfeti, Gaziantep and more, while enjoying history, culture, local cuisine, family time and incredible landscapes. Read more
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  • Trip start
    August 3, 2018
    _byHale🇹🇷Türkiye 2018Traveler

    🏡

    August 3, 2018 in Germany ⋅ ☁️ 19 °C

    Early in the morning, our annual journey to Turkey began with our departure from Hüfingen, full of excitement for the weeks ahead.

  • _byHale🇹🇷Türkiye 2018Traveler

    🛍️Espark Shopping Mall

    August 13, 2018 in Turkey ⋅ ☁️ 25 °C

    In the evening, we visited the popular Espark shopping mall in the heart of Eskişehir. This modern shopping center is one of the city's most well-known meeting places and offers a wide range of shops, restaurants, and cafés. During our visit, the atmosphere was lively, with many families and young people enjoying their evening there. We leisurely walked through the different floors and explored the latest offers in the stores. The air-conditioned environment was especially pleasant on a warm summer day. We also took a short break at a café and watched the bustling surroundings. Espark combines modern shopping with a relaxed atmosphere and is a favorite gathering spot for locals. The mix of international and Turkish brands makes the mall particularly attractive. Its central location also contributes to its popularity among visitors. After spending a wonderful evening there, we headed back home with many nice impressions.

    Address: Eskibağlar, Yılmaz Büyükerşen Blv No:21, 26170 Tepebaşı/Eskişehir, Türkiye
    https://www.espark.com.tr/    Read more

  • _byHale🇹🇷Türkiye 2018Traveler

    📍Gaziantep

    Aug 23–24, 2018 in Turkey ⋅ ☀️ 36 °C

    In the afternoon, we arrived in Gaziantep and looked forward to exploring one of Türkiye's most traditional cities, famous for its rich culture and cuisine.

  • _byHale🇹🇷Türkiye 2018Traveler

    🛍️Coppersmith Bazaar

    August 24, 2018 in Turkey ⋅ ☀️ 34 °C

    Around noon, we visited the famous Bakırcılar Çarşısı, the historic coppersmith bazaar of Gaziantep. As soon as we entered the narrow streets, we could hear craftsmen skillfully shaping copper by hand. The workshops and small shops displayed beautifully crafted trays, coffee pots, plates, and many other traditional items. This centuries-old craftsmanship is still passed down from generation to generation. While walking through the bazaar, we admired countless unique souvenirs and decorative pieces. The attention to detail in every item was truly impressive. The market offers an authentic glimpse into the city's rich cultural and historical heritage. Besides copper products, there were also small cafés and shops selling local specialties. The lively atmosphere and the friendliness of the merchants made the visit especially memorable. Bakırcılar Çarşısı is one of Gaziantep's most famous landmarks and was undoubtedly a highlight of our stay.

    Address: Boyacı, Eskici Çarşısı Sk., 27400 Şahinbey/Gaziantep, Türkiye    Read more

  • _byHale🇹🇷Türkiye 2018Traveler

    ⛪️St. Pierre Church

    August 26, 2018 in Turkey ⋅ ☁️ 32 °C

    At noon, we visited the famous St. Peter's Church in Antakya. It is considered one of the oldest Christian churches in the world and holds exceptional historical significance. The church is located inside a natural cave on the slopes of Mount Starius. As soon as we entered, we felt the unique atmosphere of this historic site. According to tradition, the Apostle Peter preached to some of the first Christian communities here. Inside the cave church, we saw ancient stone walls, an altar, and several religious features. Its simple design highlights the spiritual character of the place. Over the centuries, the church has been expanded and restored several times. Today, it is one of the most important Christian pilgrimage sites in Turkey. Visiting this remarkable place felt like a journey into the early history of Christianity.

    Address: Küçükdalyan, 31010 Antakya/Hatay, Türkiye
    https://muze.gov.tr/muze-detay?DistId=MRK&S…    Read more

  • _byHale🇹🇷Türkiye 2018Traveler

    🕌Habib-i Neccar Mosque

    August 26, 2018 in Turkey ⋅ ☁️ 33 °C

    Afterwards, we visited the Habib-i Neccar Mosque, one of Antakya's most famous landmarks. It is considered the oldest mosque in Anatolia and holds great religious importance. The history of the building dates back to the early Islamic period. The mosque is named after Habib-i Neccar, a figure respected in both Christianity and Islam. We were especially impressed by the harmonious blend of different cultural influences. The courtyard offered a peaceful and calm atmosphere. Its architecture combines traditional Islamic elements with local characteristics. Many visitors come here to pray or learn about the site's historical significance. The mosque symbolizes religious diversity and peaceful coexistence in Antakya. Our visit left a lasting impression.

    Address: Habib-i Neccar, 31060 Merkez/Hatay, Türkiye    Read more

  • _byHale🇹🇷Türkiye 2018Traveler

    🍽️Asi Künefeleri, Antakya

    August 26, 2018 in Turkey ⋅ ☁️ 33 °C

    For lunch, we stopped at Asi Künefeleri and tasted some of Hatay's most famous specialties. As our main course, we ordered Tepsi Kebabı, a regional dish made from seasoned minced meat and traditionally baked in an oven. The meal was freshly prepared and impressed us with its rich flavor. We enjoyed the typical Mediterranean influences that characterize Hatay's cuisine. After the savory meal, a traditional dessert was a must. We chose Künefe, probably the most famous sweet dish of the region. Freshly baked, it consisted of thin pastry strands, melted cheese, and sweet syrup. It was served hot with a perfectly crispy top layer. Every bite offered a wonderful combination of sweetness and cheese flavor. This lunch was undoubtedly one of the culinary highlights of our trip.

    Address: Ulucamii, Kemal Paşa Cd. No:48, 31060 Antakya/Hatay, Türkiye
    https://asikunefe.com/    Read more

  • _byHale🇹🇷Türkiye 2018Traveler

    ⛪️Antioch Greek Orthodox Church

    August 26, 2018 in Turkey ⋅ ☁️ 33 °C

    In the afternoon, we visited the Antioch Greek Orthodox Church, one of Antakya's most important Christian churches. The church has a long and eventful history. It belongs to the Greek Orthodox community that has lived in the region for centuries. Even from the outside, the building impressed us with its simple elegance. Inside, we admired beautiful icons, religious paintings, and traditional decorations. The peaceful atmosphere invited visitors to pause and reflect. The church is an important part of the city's religious and cultural heritage. Antakya has long been known for the peaceful coexistence of different faiths. This place reflects that unique diversity particularly well. The visit provided fascinating insights into the region's Christian history.

    Address: Zenginler, Gazipaşa Cd. No:9, 31070 Antakya/Hatay, Türkiye
    https://www.ortodokslartoplulugu.com/kutsal-mek…    Read more

  • _byHale🇹🇷Türkiye 2018Traveler

    🏛️Hatay Archeology Museum

    August 26, 2018 in Turkey ⋅ ☁️ 33 °C

    In the late afternoon, we visited the Hatay Archaeology Museum. It is considered one of Turkey's most important archaeological museums. The museum is especially famous for its impressive collection of ancient mosaics. These masterpieces originate from different eras and depict scenes from mythology, daily life, and nature. During our visit, we admired numerous artifacts from the Roman, Byzantine, and Hellenistic periods. The exhibition vividly illustrates Antakya's importance as a historical center of trade and culture. In addition to mosaics, visitors can see statues, coins, and other archaeological discoveries. The modern museum design makes exploring the exhibits particularly enjoyable. Every section tells part of the region's long history. For anyone interested in history, this museum is a true highlight.

    Address: Maşuklu, Antakya Reyhanlı Yolu No:117, 31120 Antakya/Hatay, Türkiye
    https://muze.gov.tr/muze-detay?SectionId=HTY01&…    Read more

  • _byHale🇹🇷Türkiye 2018Traveler

    🏨Özcihan Hotel

    Aug 26–27, 2018 in Turkey ⋅ ☁️ 27 °C

    In the evening, we arrived at Özcihan Hotel and finally had some time to relax after an eventful day. The hotel offered a pleasant atmosphere and served as a good base for our stay in Antakya. After many hours of sightseeing, we were happy to enjoy some rest. We spent a relaxing evening reflecting on a day filled with cultural and historical experiences. Tired but satisfied, we eventually went to bed.

    Address: Hatay, Defne 31080 Defne/Hatay, Harbiye Mahallesi, Atatürk Caddesi, 31080 defne/Hatay, Türkiye
    https://www.ozcihan.com/    Read more

  • _byHale🇹🇷Türkiye 2018Traveler

    🕌Grand Mosque Kahramanmaraş

    August 27, 2018 in Turkey ⋅ ☀️ 28 °C

    In the morning, we visited the Grand Mosque of Kahramanmaraş, one of the city's most important historic landmarks. The mosque is among the region's best-known buildings and has a long history. From the outside, its traditional architecture immediately caught our attention. The elegant minaret and decorative details were particularly impressive. Inside, a peaceful and spiritual atmosphere welcomed visitors. The mosque is still actively used for daily prayers and remains an important gathering place for locals. During our visit, we admired many architectural features. The combination of history, culture, and religion made the site especially interesting. The Grand Mosque reflects the city's rich heritage. Visiting it provided a wonderful insight into local religious life.

    Address: Kuruluş, Atatürk Blv. No:73, 46100 Dulkadiroğlu/Kahramanmaraş, Türkiye    Read more

  • _byHale🇹🇷Türkiye 2018Traveler

    🛍️Historical Maraş Bazaar

    August 27, 2018 in Turkey ⋅ ☀️ 28 °C

    Afterwards, we walked through the historic Maraş Bazaar in the city center. The narrow streets and traditional shops provided an authentic glimpse into local life. Many merchants offered handmade products, spices, and regional specialties. The bazaar has been an important trading center for centuries. While exploring, we experienced the lively atmosphere and warm hospitality of the locals. The small workshops preserving traditional craftsmanship were particularly fascinating. The scent of spices and freshly brewed coffee filled the air. Historic buildings lined the streets, revealing interesting details at every corner. The bazaar beautifully connects the past with the present. Our visit was a great way to experience everyday life in Kahramanmaraş.

    Address: Kuruluş, Bakırcı Sk., 46100 Merkez/Kahramanmaraş, Türkiye    Read more

  • _byHale🇹🇷Türkiye 2018Traveler

    🍦Maraş Ice Cream

    August 27, 2018 in Turkey ⋅ ☀️ 30 °C

    Of course, no visit to Kahramanmaraş would be complete without tasting the famous Maraş ice cream. This unique specialty is known far beyond Turkey's borders. It is famous for its firm and stretchy consistency. Traditionally, it is made with salep and mastic, giving it a distinctive texture. The vendors entertained visitors with their famous tricks using long metal rods, creating plenty of laughter. The ice cream was wonderfully refreshing on a warm summer day. Traditional flavors such as pistachio and vanilla remain especially popular. The art of making Maraş ice cream is an important part of the city's culture. Every visitor should try this famous treat at least once. For us, it was a delicious and unforgettable experience.

    Address: Yenişehir Mahallesi, Trabzon Blv. No:36/C, 46100 Dulkadiroğlu/Kahramanmaraş, Türkiye
    https://www.yasarpastanesi.com.tr/    Read more

  • _byHale🇹🇷Türkiye 2018Traveler

    🍽️Iskender

    August 27, 2018 in Turkey ⋅ ☀️ 36 °C

    For lunch, we visited Has İskender 85 Et Lokantası and chose a classic İskender Kebab. This dish is one of the most famous specialties of Turkish cuisine. Thin slices of meat were served on fresh flatbread and topped with a flavorful tomato sauce. Melted butter and creamy yogurt completed the dish. The combination of ingredients created a perfectly balanced taste. The meat was tender and seasoned to perfection. The restaurant was popular and well frequented by locals. Portions were generous and freshly prepared. After a busy day of sightseeing, this meal provided a welcome boost of energy. It remains one of the culinary highlights of our journey.

    Address: Turgut Reis, Zey Cd., 02200 Adıyaman Merkez/Adıyaman, Türkiye    Read more