"Stepping into the magical landscape of Turkey, a land where every corner offers a feast for senses"

I've been mesmerised by Turk ever since I binge-watched a series on the Ottoman Empire, who ruled over three continents—Central Asia, North Africa, and Europe—for 500 years! The series brought to life the extraordinary tale of Hurrem Sultan, a woman of humble origins , brought as a slave to the palace rose to become the beloved queen of Sultan Suleyman, defying all norms of her time. Her love had such an influence on the ruler Sultan Suleyman who broke all the stereotypes by marrying her and it was utterly fascinating - A testament to the transformative power of love and ambition.

Captivated by the grandeur of the Ottoman Empire series, the whimsical fairy chimneys of Cappadocia, and the enchanting experience of hot air ballooning, Turkey has been etched in my mind as a dream destination for over five years.

It was the first historical drama that captured my attention until 2019 and marked the beginning of my journey into culturally immersive travel since I started my solo travel in 2017.

I thought I had gleaned a substantial understanding of Turkish culture from the Ottoman Empire series. But,no... my journey was more enriched as I explored the country, broadening my view of their culture and challenging my preconceived notions about gender roles.The trip shed light on the profound effects of social and religious structures in shaping an individual and society. More intriguingly, it sparked a fascination with the evolution of civilizations through human migration and conquest.

Before setting foot in Turkey, my knowledge was confined to historical tales of the Ottoman Empire and their renowned love for Turkish tea and coffee. Yet, I was unprepared for the exceptional Turkish hospitality that awaited me.

Turkey's geographic position gifts it a transcontinental culture, a melting point where Asia and Europe land mass converge— where the East meets the West. Could we call it a true crossroads of civilizations? I could definitely see the influence of east european food in Anatolian cuisine. The iconic Ortaköy Bridge in Istanbul is a symbol of this connection, physically linking the Asian terrain with the European side.

Turkey is a sensory treasure trove, boasting a rich tapestry of experiences from the aromatic spices and traditional cuisine to the hypnotic art of the Whirling Dervishes.

The exquisite hand-painted ceramics that echo the country's artistic heritage, the imperial majesty of the Ottoman palaces stands in contrast to the natural wonder of Cappadocia's fairy chimneys and the inviting turquoise waters of the Mediterranean coast, Turkiye offers a range of feast for travellers.

Amidst the breath-taking landscapes, Turkiye offers an array of cultural treasures: gourd lanterns, handcrafted pottery.

Here, history unfolds in layers, with the ruins from Troy I to Troy IX chronicling the evolution from the Bronze Age to Byzantium—each stratum narrating the tale of time's relentless march.

I wasn’t aware of “Anatolia,” nor the origin of its name , until I arrived in Istanbul. The word was derived from the Greek for 'east' or 'sunrise,' a name as enigmatic as its landscapes. The region's position as the easternmost part of the Greek world and later the Byzantine Empire, as well as its location where the sun rises, are likely reasons for this nomenclature.

Yet, the intricacies of Anatolian gastronomy were as unknown to me as Tengrism, an ancient spirituality that weaves through the fabric of Turkic and Mongolic cultures along with other ethnic groups across Central Asia, Siberia, and parts of Eastern Europe and the Caucasus. This shamanistic faith, paying homage to the sky deity Tengri, reveals a cosmic narrative central to Eurasian folklore.

It's a faith steeped in shamanistic and animistic traditions, venerating the sky god Tengri as the chief deity, revered as the creator of the universe and all within it.

My sojourn in Turkey unfurled layers of my perception; the country, predominantly Muslim, yet steeped in a history far more intricate than commonly known. Many locals shared insights into a heritage that's historically deep-rooted. There's a part of me that yearns to return, to delve into the archaeological splendor of Ephesus, to tread upon the storied grounds of Troy, and to engage with the modern-day followers of Tengrism, who preserve these ancient rites against the tide of time.

PS: More blogs about Turkiye will be out soon

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