I had never been fond of walking; to me it used to feel like a waste of time when I could travel from A to B faster by vehicle. When people listed walking or trekking as hobbies, I would scoff and insist my time was better spent on other activities. My opinion changed after an afternoon spent walking through Efeler Valley.
Efeler Vadisi
Efeler Vadisi sits high in the mountains of the Maçahel region in the Black Sea area of Turkey. This is not a crowded tourist spot but one of the most unspoiled corners of the country. Houses dot the hillsides—some clustered near neighbors, others standing alone—while snowy peaks rise on the horizon. The valley feels remote and remarkably natural.
Sturdy wooden bridges, built years ago, cross the fast-flowing river that runs through the valley. Many of the bridges have enclosed roofs that shelter sleighs used during the heavy snow of winter. The scenery is lush and green, with abundant pine trees and bright wildflowers. Every few hundred meters the walk offered a small surprise—an old structure, a person, or a detail that made the route memorable.
One of the first discoveries was a small mescit, a modest prayer room that serves people living far from a mosque. Nearby, a series of drinking fountains stood at the roadside in what felt like the middle of nowhere. Each fountain bore the names Tahsin and Cemal Kahya. I found myself imagining who they were and how their lives had been shaped by this remote valley.
Had they walked this same path?
Did they know how welcome that water would be on a hot summer day?
A family in a passing car stopped and walked over to check on us. From the grandfather to the youngest baby, they wanted to make sure we were all right and even offered refreshments at their nearby home. We politely declined, but the gesture reminded me that kindness still thrives in many places.
Later, we met an 89-year-old woman walking slowly with a bent back, a lifetime of carrying firewood etched into her posture. From her garden she offered fresh raspberries, and I felt a childlike excitement over fruit that hadn’t passed through any shop—simple, delicious, and utterly genuine.
Efeler Valley is Turkey in its most undisturbed form. The people are traditional, friendly, and welcoming. The landscape shows few signs of the fast-paced modern world; instead it offers quiet, natural beauty and human warmth. That combination made the day unforgettable.
Efeler Valley changed my perspective. Sometimes the convenience of a car isn’t necessary. Walking allowed me to experience details, conversations, and moments I would have missed otherwise. Exploring on foot revealed a different pace of life and a richer way to see the world.
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