Merhabalar! Last year my family spent 3 months in the beautiful country of Türkiye. Our Turkish friends always want to know if we liked Türkiye, if we speak Turkish, where we went, what food we tried and more.
When we initially embarked on our adventure to Türkiye, we had an intriguing blend of excitement and curiosity. Our journey was about immersing ourselves in the culture, experiencing new sights, and trying our tongues at the Turkish language. From bustling cities to coastal hideaways, we explored a wide range of experiences that left a lasting impression on our hearts.
Why Türkiye?
A Cultural Crossroad
Situated at the intersection of East and West, Türkiye is a unique fusion of cultural and geographical marvels. For both Calvin and me, the intrigue began with a shared interest in learning Turkish and was fueled by watching films like Paper Lives on Netflix. Calvin’s fascination with the history of Atatürk and Türkiye’s pivotal role in global geopolitics added another layer to our motivations.
A Personal Connection
On a personal note, I was forming friendships with some amazing Turkish people and was eager to visit them, continue practicing the language, and indulge in the local cuisine. For us, as a family, food was — and always is — a big motivator!
Exploring Türkiye
Landing in Antalya
Our journey began in the charming Mediterranean city of Antalya. Immediately, we soaked up the Mediterranean vibes and Western influences mixed within this fascinating city. Surprisingly, we were often mistaken for Russians! During our time there, we studied Turkish intensively with a teacher who came to our Airbnb—ten hours a week for six weeks. It was an exhilarating and sometimes frustrating journey!
A Whirlwind Tour
Our travel itinerary included:
- Antalya
- Denizli with its mesmerizing ancient ruins and the famous Pamukkale
- Izmir, meeting friends and enjoying the vibrant local culture
- Çanakkale, where we marveled at the historical sites
- Dikili, a serene beach getaway
Each location brought with it a unique blend of history, culture, and, of course, food.
The Spectacular Sights
Pamukkale
Pamukkale was like stepping into another world—like walking on clouds formed by natural mineral deposits. The hot springs were a hit with the kids, even if the weather was crisp—a little cooler.
Ephesus
A short drive from Izmir took us to Ephesus, a site of profound historical and religious significance. Standing in the grandeur of the ancient amphitheater and the intricately carved Celsus Library was a humbling experience.
The Language Learning Journey
Learning Turkish was an adventure of its own. If I’m being honest, there were tears—mine (Camille)—during some of our lessons. The nuanced structures of Turkish presented some real challenges.
“You have to unmake what you ‘think’ you know about language and rearrange it in a completely new way.”
Even though Calvin eventually paused his studies, I’ve kept at it, albeit with breaks. Now, after two years, my Turkish is improving steadily. It’s slow progress, but definitely worthwhile!
The Culinary Delights
Ah, the food! From reveling in the splendor of a Turkish breakfast to indulgent slices of San Sebastian cheesecake in Bandırma, Türkiye at Noir Cafe was a paradise for our taste buds.
Top Foods We Loved in Türkiye
- Turkish Breakfast: A lavish spread of cheeses, jams, breads, and the ever-present tea.
- Baklava & Turkish Delight: Both delights were consumed in perhaps too-high quantities!
- Fresh Lavash: A delightful flatbread that became a staple of ours.
- Sarma and Kısır: Vegetarian dishes that are bursting with flavor.
- Ghözleme: A crispy treat that we enjoyed thoroughly.
Surprisingly, Turkish coffee wasn’t our favorite, though the accompanying culture around Turkish tea was absolutely enchanting.
Interactions and Hospitality
What made our travels truly special were the people we met along the way. The Turkish hospitality was unlike any I’ve encountered—opening their homes and hearts to us. It left an indelible mark on our experience.
Memorable Experiences
A ride on the back of a friend’s motorcycle was a thrill! Dancing at local events like impromptu gatherings and traditional Turkish barbecues (mangal) brought us closer to the culture.
Would We Return?
Absolutely! Türkiye, with its stunning scenery and warm-hearted people, captivated us. There’s so much more we want to explore, especially regions like the Black Sea (karadeniz) area. It’s on our must-visit-again list for sure.
Final Thoughts
Our three-month journey in Türkiye was nothing short of amazing. The culture, history, people, and food have set a high bar for travel experiences. If you ever get the chance to visit, seize it!
Have you been to Turkiye? Let me know your experiences in the comments!
