• _byHale
  • _byHale

🇹🇷Türkiye 2018

A journey full of reunions, family moments, and pure Turkey vibes. In between: evenings in town and special celebrations. A special highlight was the GAP tour through Southeast Anatolia, marked by impressive landscapes and historic sites. Read more
  • Trip start
    August 3, 2018
  • 🛍️Espark Shopping Mall

    August 13, 2018 in Turkey ⋅ ☁️ 25 °C

    Espark in the evening: lights, chatter, a lively buzz—exactly the kind of energy I love about Eskişehir. We stroll around, check out shop windows, and simply go with the flow. Between snacks, conversations, and little discoveries, everything feels effortlessly light. Maybe a quick stop for something sweet, maybe just people‑watching. One of those nights that doesn’t need to be “big” to be special.

    Address: Eskibağlar, Yılmaz Büyükerşen Blv No:21, 26170 Tepebaşı/Eskişehir, Türkiye
    https://www.espark.com.tr/
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  • 🛍️Coppersmith Bazaar

    August 24, 2018 in Turkey ⋅ ☀️ 34 °C

    Coppersmith Bazaar: a sea of shining copper, sounds, and scents. Craftsmanship is everywhere, hammering, polishing, and tiny details made with patience. We wander through the lanes, spot beautiful pieces, and stop again and again. The atmosphere feels lively and somehow timeless at once. Shopping here is more of an experience than a task. And of course, a little awe (and maybe a little bargaining) is simply part of it.

    Address: Boyacı, Eskici Çarşısı Sk., 27400 Şahinbey/Gaziantep, Türkiye
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  • 🚎Ankara Bus station

    August 26, 2018 in Turkey ⋅ 🌙 21 °C

    In the middle of the night at Ankara Otogar. Tired eyes, but an excited atmosphere—the GAP tour was truly starting now. Buses arrived and departed as we prepared for the long journey south.

  • ⛪️St. Pierre Church

    August 26, 2018 in Turkey ⋅ ☁️ 32 °C

    St. Pierre Church is located quietly on the slopes of Mount Habib‑i‑Neccar. It is considered one of the oldest Christian churches in the world. The site is closely associated with the Apostle Peter. From the moment you enter, the atmosphere feels calm and meditative. The rock‑carved structure makes the church unique. The interior is simple but very impressive. There is hardly any noise, only soft whispers. Looking outside feels peaceful and timeless. History and spirituality meet here directly. A place that stays with you for a long time.

    Address: Küçükdalyan, 31010 Antakya/Hatay, Türkiye
    https://muze.gov.tr/muze-detay?DistId=MRK&S…
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  • 🕌Habib-i Neccar Mosque

    August 26, 2018 in Turkey ⋅ ☁️ 33 °C

    Habib‑i Neccar Mosque is one of the oldest mosques in Anatolia. It is located in the heart of Antakya. The site symbolizes coexistence between different religions. The architecture feels calm and grounded. The courtyard had a peaceful silence. Visitors moved respectfully and quietly. The mosque has been destroyed and rebuilt several times. Because of this, it carries many layers of history. You can feel openness and tolerance here. It is an important place for both worshippers and visitors.

    Address: Habib-i Neccar, 31060 Merkez/Hatay, Türkiye
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  • 🍽️Asi Künefeleri, Antakya

    August 26, 2018 in Turkey ⋅ ☁️ 33 °C

    For lunch, we went to Asi Künefeleri. First, Tepsi Kebabı was served, hot and incredibly flavorful. The meat was juicy and perfectly seasoned. Fresh bread and side dishes were served with it. You could immediately taste Hatay’s regional cuisine. Then came Künefe for dessert. Warm, crispy, and filled with melted cheese. The syrup was sweet but not overpowering. A classic regional delight. A meal you won’t forget.

    Address: Ulucamii, Kemal Paşa Cd. No:48, 31060 Antakya/Hatay, Türkiye
    https://asikunefe.com/
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  • ⛪️Antioch Greek Orthodox Church

    August 26, 2018 in Turkey ⋅ ☁️ 33 °C

    The Antioch Greek Orthodox Church is rather modestly located within the city. Upon entering, the atmosphere changes immediately. The interior feels warm and solemn. Icons decorate the walls. Candlelight creates a calm mood. The church is an important meeting place for the Christian community. You can feel deep tradition here. Everything feels personal and authentic. The church tells a story of centuries‑old faith. A quiet yet meaningful place.

    Address: Zenginler, Gazipaşa Cd. No:9, 31070 Antakya/Hatay, Türkiye
    https://www.ortodokslartoplulugu.com/kutsal-mek…
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  • 🏛️Hatay Archeology Museum

    August 26, 2018 in Turkey ⋅ ☁️ 33 °C

    Hatay Archaeology Museum immediately impressed with its size. It houses one of the world’s largest mosaic collections. The mosaics are exceptionally well preserved. Each one tells its own story. Scenes from mythology and daily life are depicted. The exhibition is modern and well organized. You can take your time exploring everything. The colors of the mosaics are remarkably vibrant. History feels very tangible here. An absolute highlight of the day.

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

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

    In the evening, we arrived at Özcihan Hotel. After a long day, it felt great to finally settle in. The rooms were simple but comfortable. At last, time to rest. A perfect end to this intense day.

    Address: Hatay, Defne 31080 Defne/Hatay, Harbiye Mahallesi, Atatürk Caddesi, 31080 defne/Hatay, Türkiye
    https://www.ozcihan.com/
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  • 🕌Grand Mosque Kahramanmaraş

    August 27, 2018 in Turkey ⋅ ☀️ 28 °C

    The Grand Mosque of Kahramanmaraş is centrally located in the city. It is an important religious meeting place in the region. The architecture feels clear and harmonious. The large courtyard is especially striking. The atmosphere was calm and respectful. Worshippers came and went quietly. The mosque radiates a sense of permanence. You can feel the everyday life of the city here. It is not a touristy place, but a living one. That is what makes the visit special.

    Address: Kuruluş, Atatürk Blv. No:73, 46100 Dulkadiroğlu/Kahramanmaraş, Türkiye
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  • 🛍️Historical Maraş Bazaar

    August 27, 2018 in Turkey ⋅ ☀️ 28 °C

    The historical Maraş Bazaar was full of life. Small shops were lined up closely together. Spices, textiles, and sweets were everywhere. Vendors chatted loudly with each other. The atmosphere felt authentic and lively. We were greeted in a friendly way. The alleys felt narrow and traditional. The air smelled of tea and soap. Daily life unfolded right here. A place full of local impressions.

    Address: Kuruluş, Bakırcı Sk., 46100 Merkez/Kahramanmaraş, Türkiye
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  • 🍦Maraş Ice Cream

    August 27, 2018 in Turkey ⋅ ☀️ 30 °C

    Trying Maraş ice cream was a must. Its texture is much firmer than regular ice cream. It is traditionally made with salep. The serving included small show performances. The ice cream barely came off the spoon. The flavor was intense and creamy. Pistachio is especially popular. It melts very slowly. You almost chew it instead of licking it. A true symbol of the city.

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

    August 27, 2018 in Turkey ⋅ ☀️ 36 °C

    For lunch, we stopped at Has İskender 85. Classic İskender was served. Thin slices of meat were placed on flatbread. Hot tomato sauce was poured on top. Melted butter was added fresh. Yogurt completed the dish. Everything was served hot. The flavor was rich and well balanced. The portion was very filling. A perfect lunch during the tour.

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