Nostalgic Travels Through Turkey: A Photo Journey

As regular readers of this blog might have noticed, I have not been regular with posts for the last 2-3 months and that can be attributed to a small issue with the Macbook browser and a combination of other factors! Now that I have figured other stuff, I will be back with my regular blogposts and also pen down past travel experiences and share photo stories. Today, I randomly stumbled upon photographs from the 2019 trip to Turkey and wanted to make a photo story of all the delightful travel memories that get better with passing time as they are laced with generous doses of nostalgia!

We landed in Istanbul and travelled across Turkey to places like Trabzon, Van, Gaziantep, Izmir, Selçuk, Antalya and traversed across numerous towns and villages in the Turkish countryside. If you are planning a trip to Turkey, here are the links for the posts.

Istanbul : Tips for Backpacking

Trabzon : Travels on the Black Sea Coast

Van : A City of All Day Breakfasts

Gaziantep : UNESCO approved eating!

Photographs and Memories from Travels across Turkey

A street vendor selling grilled corn on a cart, with multiple cobs displayed prominently. Two customers are visible in the background, while the vendor prepares food.
Steamed corn and corn on cob is likely to be your first tryst in Istanbul and Turkey.
Wooden barrels filled with various types of olives, with price tags displayed in Turkish.
Turkey is a vast country and a number of regions grow a variety of olives.
A serene sunset over a calm body of water, with fading light reflecting off the surface and a faint silhouette of land in the distance, seen from a moving vehicle.
Overnight buses across Turkey are supremely comfortable and one can see memorable sunrise(s) & sunset(s) from the window.
A food stall serving gözleme, featuring a menu board with prices and a staff member preparing food.
Gözleme is the Turkish version of an Indian parantha (if you please!) and is a safe choice on the road.
View of a quaint house with a stone wall and a brown wooden bench in front, surrounded by greenery. A white cloth is hanging out of one of the upper windows.
Stay at a heritage homestay – Accommodation in the big towns in Turkey is top notch.
A tranquil outdoor seating area featuring a wicker furniture set, including two chairs and a central table, surrounded by lush greenery and a stone wall.
Best to bring your bottle of wine and enjoy as every restaurant/café has matching glasses!
A top-down view of a dining table with two bowls of soup, a basket of assorted bread, glassware, lemon wedges, and plates on a pink tablecloth.
A kind restaurant owner in Trabzon serves us complimentary dal soup (Çorba) upon knowing we are from Hindistan – India.
A man standing behind a counter in a bakery, wearing a white shirt and dark vest, with bagels placed in front of him.
Freshly baked Simit could be an endearing memory of a trip to Turkey.
Facade of Tahir Aga Konagi hotel featuring a red canopy and large glass doors, with flower pots on either side.
Historic staying place in Trabzon.
Image of a bakery named Firin-Pide, established in 1910, featuring a display of various types of bread in the windows, with a customer walking past the storefront.
Trabzon has certainly the best pide (sort of simple pizza) in all of Turkey.
Street view featuring several buildings, including a multi-story structure with a balcony and a bright yellow balcony, alongside autumn-colored trees and parked cars.
Autumn is a great time to explore Turkey – as its shoulder season.
A vibrant red maple tree with colorful leaves against a clear blue sky, showing the beauty of autumn.
Two people posing in a beauty store with Estee Lauder signage, one man with a beard and one woman, both smiling and holding a notepad.
Kind strangers had letting us know their secret spots that only the locals know!
A vendor roasting chestnuts on the street, seated beside a cart with a metal roasting container and bags of chestnuts.
Kestane – I really miss roasted chestnuts available in plentiful across Turkey.
A vibrant pedestrian street with benches and potted plants, featuring trees with yellow leaves and red umbrellas. People are walking and sitting, enjoying the lively atmosphere.
Turkish locals love to sit in open spaces and parks through the day.
Menu board outside a restaurant showcasing various breakfast options, including items like cheese, olives, pancakes, and simit, with prices listed.
At the time of this trip, 1 Turkish Lira was roughly about INR 12-14.
A bustling street scene in Turkey featuring vibrant flower displays along the sidewalk, with a Turkish flag prominently hanging above. People are seen walking and admiring the flowers.
Nargis or narcissus or daffodils are commonly sold on pavements in all cities in Turkey.
A serene outdoor garden space featuring stone pathways, wooden benches, and tables surrounded by greenery and trees.
Sitting space in the heritage hotel in Trabzon.
Overhead view of a coastal city with a port, featuring shipping containers, cranes, and buildings in the foreground.
Bird’s eye view of the industrial town of Trabzon.
A display of various Turkish desserts, including baklava and Laz böreği, with a vendor in the background. The desserts are shown in trays, highlighting their intricate layers and textures.
A delicacy from the Black Sea region.
A vibrant display of oranges piled high with green leaves, at a market stall.
Oranges grown in Rize province are sold at a very reasonable price and are excellent quality.
A smiling vendor standing behind a stall filled with fresh vegetables, including broccoli, carrots, and leeks, at a market.
Leeks so good, and the variety of fresh veggies is staggering.
A vendor selling various types of bread at a street market, with stacked loaves and rolls displayed on a glass cart. An elderly man stands behind the cart, examining the bread.
Loaves of traditional Gümüşhane village bread wrapped in plastic, displayed on a blue tablecloth with a sign indicating 'Hakiki Gümüşhane Köy Ekmeği'.
Trabzon bread is highly sought after.
A vibrant outdoor market scene featuring a vendor selling fresh vegetables, including lettuce, cabbage, and root vegetables, with a backdrop of an autumn tree and residential buildings.
A vibrant display of various dried fruits, nuts, and seeds arranged on circular plates at a market, showcasing a variety of colors and textures.
We bought top class dried figs and dried mulberries from this shop at a fraction of the price in India.
A person walking down a corridor lined with plants and wooden planters, under a sign that reads 'GÜLE GÜLE'. The pathway is well-lit, with decorative lamps along the sides.
Güle Güle means bye bye in Turkish.
A display of various jars filled with honey and other syrups, arranged neatly on wooden shelves. The jars have gold lids and are of different shapes and sizes. In the foreground, there are honeycombs on a white surface.
Staggering variety of honey and vinegar at the market.
A market stall displaying a variety of cheeses, including blocks and rounds, under a yellow umbrella. Various containers of cheese are visible, with some wrapped in plastic and a person in the foreground browsing.
Butter, cheese, peynir and other kinds of milk products.
A market stall displaying various types of olives in baskets and containers, with price signs. The scene includes a mix of black and green olives, along with packaged items and additional goods in the background.
A vibrant bouquet of roses in various colors, including red, yellow, and purple, is positioned above a pot filled with clusters of white and yellow flowers.
Fragrant nargis flowers.
Two woven chairs stacked on top of each other on a cobblestone street, with a market shop in the background filled with colorful items.
For a while I wondered if it was possible to buy and carry these cute stools to India!
A child stands next to an adult holding a tray with two glasses of tea, while another adult hands them the tray. The child is wearing a maroon jacket and looks at the camera.
The Turkish cāy tray.
Entrance of the Ottoman bath, featuring a wooden door, stone wall, and illuminated signage in Turkish.
Authentic Haman is a totally different experience than the commercial ones in Istanbul!
Illuminated Trabzon sign in front of a historical building at night with people walking nearby.
A brown metal stove with a pipe, standing in a light-colored indoor space, next to a wooden door and a small black stool.
Fascinating to see the tandoor / bukhari in the Kåmil Koç office in Van.
Two bakers working in a bakery, with one preparing dough and the other arranging baked bread on a wooden table.
Van is located close to the Iran border and has a rich tradition of tandoor breads like naan, lavash and many more.
A bakery display showcasing a variety of freshly baked breads, with a baker in a white chef's hat and apron on the left, and customers in the background.
I kept wondering what these breads would taste like…
A large, round, flatbread topped with minced meat, tomatoes, and herbs, served on a wooden tray. Accompanied by a side salad with lettuce and tomatoes, and a small bowl of tangy sauce with vegetables.
3 TL Lahmaçun bread – Definitely the cheapest meal in Turkey.
A vendor selling a large quantity of oranges piled high in crates on a blue cart in a busy street. Pedestrians walk by in the background.
Colorful umbrellas hanging overhead in a vibrant street with people walking between shops.
A moment of delight to see this lane on a random walk.
A man in a dark coat and beanie stands beside a stone bench, with jars of honey and various containers placed on the bench. The background features trees and a building under a blue sky.
Honey sellers are everywhere, at least in Van.
A view of a large mosque featuring two tall minarets and a central dome, with architectural details and people visible outside.
Mosques are called Camii in Turkish.
A yellow minibus with red stripes parked on a street next to several residential buildings.
These cute minibuses in Van are a good mode of transport to go around the town.
A group of people gathered under a gazebo in a park, surrounded by bare trees and grass on a cloudy day.
A visiting Iranian family from Tehran invited us for a round of drinks and cake in a park.
A view of a parking area bordered by tall, bare trees under a cloudy sky. Several vehicles are parked, including a white car and a blue car. An entrance archway with decorative features is visible in the background, along with a sign detailing municipal information.
This scene reminded me of Ladakh in winter with the tall poplars bereft of leaves and barely surviving!
Street view featuring a blue building with a dome and minarets, a red bicycle parked by traffic cones, and pedestrians walking along a cobblestone road in a market area.
Market scene in Van, Turkey.
A scenic view of a road beside a lake, with mountains in the background and a white car parked near the water's edge under a blue sky with clouds.
Headed to Akdamar Island Church and blessed with a view like this.
A scenic view of a harbor with a white boat docked, surrounded by calm waters and rocky shore. In the background, snow-capped mountains and a clear blue sky with clouds.
Waiting for passengers to fill the ferry but nobody ever came!
A calm lake reflecting a clear blue sky, with a distant snow-capped mountain and a small island in the foreground.
We had to be content with the view from afar.
A man organizing items on a wooden table in a makeshift outdoor market area with tents and colorful stools.
A small çay restaurant for the poor migrants and immigrants from different countries.
A colorful display of ripe persimmons and quinces arranged in black crates at a market. The persimmons are bright orange, while the quinces are yellow, alongside a few green pears in the background.
Juicy and ripe persimmons being sold by the kilo.
A craftsman working in a workshop, pouring molten metal into a mold on a wooden table surrounded by various tools and copper items.
Turkey has a rich tradition of making copper utensils.
A street view featuring a historic mosque with a dome and a tall minaret, flanked by trees and benches. People are walking on the paved path under a partly cloudy sky.
A beautiful sight at every corner.
A vibrant display of handcrafted bags in various patterns and colors on a wooden shelf, with some bags resting on a decorative woven seating area.
In comparison, I liked these bags more than the other ones.
A vibrant market display featuring various spices in labeled baskets, including sumac, black pepper, and chili powders, with colorful packaging and bottles of vinegar in the background.
Spices for sale in old Gaziantep bazaar.
A man with a beard wearing a beanie and a striped shirt, holding a tray of pistachios in a market setting.
Locals making us taste pistachios which we later ended up buying!
A street vendor pushes a cart filled with oranges through a lively market street, with a tall mosque minaret in the background under a cloudy sky.
Oranges oranges…
Two men standing on a city sidewalk, one in a long beige coat and the other in a dark jacket, smiling for the photo.
I think he said he was originally from Syria.
A traditional breakfast spread featuring two plates with eggs, cucumbers, tomatoes, and various cheeses, accompanied by multiple small bowls of sauces and olives, arranged on a colorful patterned tablecloth.
Typical breakfast platter in Turkey.
Interior view of a traditional market with arched ceilings, showcasing various stalls lined along the walkway and adorned with Turkish flags.
An underground market in Gaziantep.
A display of ornate silverware, including intricately designed teapots and decorative plates, arranged on glass shelves in a shop.
Bakircilar carsisi – Coppersmiths bazaar.
A vibrant market display filled with colorful hanging lamps, intricate metal artifacts, and decorative items, showcasing a rich variety of traditional craftsmanship.
Treasure trove.
Stone archway framing a staircase leading to ancient structures, under a cloudy sky.
Gaziantep Castle.
A person bending over a traditional water fountain in a market area, surrounded by decorative metal pots and plates displayed against a weathered wall.
Old world charm in the nameless streets of Gaziantep.
A courtyard filled with colorful pottery, traditional textiles, and various antiques displayed on stands and tables.
Anatolian carpets, pottery, ceramics and other knick-knacks.
A view of a pink building with multiple windows, featuring a stone pathway and potted plants. A bench is visible beside one of the entrances.
Old town of Antalya is primed for tourism.
A person walking down a narrow, leaf-strewn cobblestone alley lined with old buildings and a stone wall covered in graffiti, with lush green foliage overhead and clear blue skies.
Mesmerising evening light and mellow cold even in December.
Two people sitting on a railing by the sea, enjoying the view. One person is wearing a yellow sweater and a red scarf, while the other is in a gray jacket. There are trees and a sunset in the background.
Sunset at Antalya marina.
A golden retriever sitting on a chair in front of a wall with decorative carpets and cushions.
Memorable sight.
An elderly man wearing a traditional hat stands in front of a stone wall, holding colorful woven rugs and beads in his hands.
Wish I had bought these.
A cobblestone street lined with colorful plants and flowers, featuring two people walking joyfully. One person is dressed in a long garment, and the other is wearing bright green clothing. Traditional architecture is visible in the background, under a partly cloudy sky.
Circus and jokers!
A scenic outdoor dining area with a small table and chairs, set against a backdrop of palm trees and a beautiful view of the sea with mountains in the distance under a cloudy sky.
Sip wine with this view at one of the numerous eateries at Antalya Marina.
A serene twilight scene featuring palm leaves in the foreground, with a crescent moon and a bright star visible in a deep blue sky above mountains and a calm body of water.
Spot the moon.
A nighttime scene of a snowy pathway lined with tall, conical trees, illuminated by streetlights under a cloudy sky.
A very cold and snowy welcome to Konya.
A plate of traditional dessert garnished with crushed pistachios, served with two cups of tea and a glass pitcher on a wooden table.
Kunefe and cay – breakfast in Konya as we started the day.
A spacious indoor venue featuring a wooden floor and a large chandelier, hosting a Mevlevi ceremony. A performer dressed in traditional attire walks across the stage, with an audience seated around the perimeter.
Unforgettable sema performance of the whirling dervishes.
A young man wearing a black beanie and a green jacket stands on a street, holding a bouquet of flowers in one hand while talking on his phone. A crate filled with yellow flowers is placed at his feet, next to a palm tree and a fire hydrant. In the background, there are buildings and vehicles.
Nargis flowers, anyone?! For 10 TL a bunch.
A street vendor selling roasted chestnuts from a stall, with many chestnuts displayed in front of him. The vendor, wearing a brown hat and a jacket, is preparing a serving while a woman is seen in the background holding a phone. A sign displaying the price can be seen on the stall.
mmmmm, yummy chestnuts.
Exterior view of Niyazibey restaurant featuring a lit sign, menu board, and indoor dining area with customers. The restaurant displays a modern and welcoming atmosphere.
Best place for authentic local food in Izmir, at very economical prices.
A street vendor selling pastries from a bright red cart with a striped canopy, displaying various baked goods.
The simit selling carts are very cute and distinctly identifiable from afar.
A scenic view of a hillside town with white-walled houses featuring brown tiled roofs, surrounded by green vegetation under a clear blue sky.
Širince village has a Greek past and still resembles an idyllic Greek village setting.
A quaint cafe and restaurant named 'Zeytinli Konak', featuring wooden shutters on the upper floor and a shop display filled with colorful souvenirs and trinkets in front.
Sirince is a tourist delight.
Interior view of a traditional craft shop showcasing colorful ceramic plates, decorative items, and postcards, with stone flooring and ornate hanging lamps.
Souvenir shop on the way to Ephesus.
Exterior of a building with a large windmill-like fan on the roof, surrounded by vibrant purple bougainvillea and green plants.
A vintage red tram on a busy street with pedestrians, lined by buildings and shops under a partly cloudy sky.
On Istiklal Caddesi street in Istanbul before the return flight to India.
A view of a bridge illuminated at dusk over a body of water, with city buildings and a mosque in the background under a dramatic sky filled with clouds.
It was as if the weather gods were creating the perfect evening for us in Istanbul.
Night view of the Galata Tower illuminated with purple and orange lights, surrounded by buildings and a yellow taxi parked on the street.
Night time is when Istanbul really comes to life.
A charming hotel building with decorative facade, featuring multiple balconies with green railings. People are gathered outside, some waiting near the entrance draped with red curtains. A bicycle is parked nearby, and a dog is seen on the steps.
Princes’ Islands trip.
A dilapidated wooden house with a peeling exterior and a damaged roof, surrounded by greenery. In the foreground, a small electric vehicle drives past a bus stop labeled 'Yazgülü'.

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