For anyone who loves nature, getting outdoors and exploring, hiking and trekking in Turkey offer exceptional experiences. To help future travelers, I spoke with an experienced long-distance walker who shared his firsthand observations and advice.
Who is he and what makes him an authority?
His name is Matt Krause. He walked the length of Turkey from west to east without stopping, covering a wide range of terrain and spending many nights under the stars. Originally from California, Matt lived in Istanbul as an expat for several years. He is also a published author of the book A Tight Wide-open Space: Finding Love in a Muslim Land.
On September 1, 2012, Matt began an eight-month walk across Turkey
Matt started on the Aegean coast in Kusadasi and trekked eastward, finishing in Van near the Iranian border.
In total he walked approximately 1,305 miles (2,100 kilometers).
Throughout the journey he connected with locals and recorded their stories. His goal was to share the lives, culture and traditions of the people he met, showing how ordinary human experiences unite communities across regions.
Along the route he joined families for meals, slept on living-room floors, attended weddings, visited classrooms, and embraced any social opportunities that arose.
The Hiking and Trekking Route
The journey began in Kusadasi on Turkey’s Aegean coast, continued east to Konya, then headed southeast toward Adana near the Mediterranean. From there he moved east to Sanliurfa, then northeast to Diyarbakir and Van, ending near the eastern border.
Matt crossed valleys, ascended mountains, traversed plateaus and followed coastlines. He passed through densely populated cities and remote, sparsely inhabited stretches where he might not encounter anyone for days.
Interviewer: Today we have fast cars and planes that cover hundreds of miles in an hour. Why did you choose to hike across Turkey?
Matt — The answer is simple: to put my life where my words are.
In 2003 I met someone on a flight to Hong Kong. We later moved to her hometown of Istanbul, where we lived and married. After six years in Turkey, I returned to the United States in 2009. Back home, people asked me about the differences I had observed—political, religious, cultural and gender-related. But my lasting impression was how fundamentally similar people are, despite those differences.
Living in Turkey reminded me that shared human experiences are more important than the distinctions that often capture our attention. Rather than simply talk about that idea, I wanted to test it: to walk alone and unprotected across the country and demonstrate that everyday encounters reveal common ground. He planned to document his journey across Turkey in four books.
More about hiking and trekking in Turkey
Matt’s trek offers valuable perspective for anyone planning long-distance walks or cultural exploration in Turkey. His experiences highlight practical considerations—routes, terrain, social customs and the rewards of open, respectful engagement with local people. For personal stories, tips and updates about his books, see his official site listed in his public information.
