The Republic of Turkey

By: Jean-Paul Courville

As an American to hear the word Turkey in a school geography class followed with a giggle is quite typical. Why? Americans associate a turkey with Thanksgiving feast so the country of Turkey is learned about much later in world history and geography. The stories of Constantinople (prior to Istanbul) and the Ottoman Empire quickly were dismissed from my memories as a young man.

I made it to Turkey, exploring Istanbul from the Blue Mosque, the Grand bazaar, the Golden Horn, the Basilica Cisterna, and to the beauty of Cappadocia.

Blue Mosque Istanbul

Golden Horn Istanbul

Maidens Tower

Istanbul by Bike

Galata Tower

Kunefe

Istanbul

The Grand Bazaar

Istanbul Nights

Hagia Sophia

Basilica Cistern

Istanbul

The Golden Horn nights

Basilica Cistern

Biking in Istanbul

The fairy-tale wonder of Cappadocia

Following a 90 minute flight Cappadocia appeared as though it truly was from a time long ago or a time in the future. Hot air balloons, hikes, biking, and touring the area will give you what you came searching for. My reservation for a hot air balloon ride was cancelled due to snowfall but, a blessing comes in disguise. I rented a mountain bike and rode into the snow covered Cappadocia for a blessed days experience.

Cappadocia

Cappadocia Turkey

The wonder of Cappadocia

Mushroom Valley

Red Valley Cappadocia

Cappadocia

Cappadocia

Mushroom Valley

Cappadocia

Cappadocia

Ihlara Valley

Cappadocia

Cappadocia Seramik pottery

Cappadocia Blue Eye

Red Valley

Cappadocia

Red Valley

Red Valley

Welcome to Cappadocia

Biking in the snow