A couple of weeks ago I was browsing blogs and realized how much my appreciation for Turkey has grown because of other people’s experiences.
I’ve met travelers who shared their Turkish holiday stories with laughter. I’ve read candid blog posts from visitors who described their impressions and discoveries along Turkey’s shores.
I’ve also been struck by memorable photographs of Turkey shared online by friends and strangers alike. Each encounter provided inspiration and a stepping stone for my own travels.
With that in mind, I created a post highlighting other people’s favorite memories of Turkey. I asked bloggers who have visited or currently live in Turkey to submit a favorite photo and a short description about the picture and themselves.
They are listed below, and together they form a rich portrait of this beautiful and addictive country. I’m grateful to the contributors for helping show just how remarkable Turkey can be.
Pictures of Turkey the Country
Rustem Pasha Mosque in Istanbul
By Wandering Earl
Who is Wandering Earl? He’s a modern explorer who prefers getting off the beaten track. With visits to more than 70 countries, Turkey has appeared on his itinerary twice, most recently in the summer of 2010.
Earl says: “Tucked away amid the narrow lanes of a 500-year-old bazaar, the Rustem Pasha Mosque in the Tahtakale district of Istanbul was the highlight of my visit. I sat inside for hours, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere, the mesmerizing blue and gold interior, and the friendliness of the few locals who stopped by for a quiet moment of worship. Often overlooked by visitors, this mosque is well worth a visit if you find yourself in Istanbul.”
The Heads of Mount Nemrut in Eastern Turkey
By Lisa Eagle
Who is Lisa Egle? She runs the Chicky Bus travel blog, encouraging readers to challenge themselves through travel and discover more about themselves. Lisa fell in love with Eastern Turkey during a 2010 tour.
Lisa says: “I love Western Turkey, but Eastern Turkey captured my heart. It offered the off-the-beaten-path adventure I wanted. Urfa and Mardin satisfied my Middle Eastern curiosity, and 7,000-foot Mount Nemrut gave me a low-budget Easter Island feel. I watched the sunrise over the mountain, where King Antiochus built his tomb sanctuary in 62 BC and surrounded it with statues—now with detached heads. The journey there is an adventure and the views are far from typical.”
Daily Turkish Life in Bodrum
By Jack Scott
Who is Jack Scott? He writes Perking The Pansies, a blog about two gay, recently ‘married’ middle-aged men relocating from London to a Muslim country. Jack lives on Turkey’s Aegean coast.
Jack says: “To imagine daily Turkish life, picture sweet simit stalls, lemon-scented barbers, rapid kebab vendors, entrepreneurial grandmothers, bewildered travelers, groups of boys transported by bus, carefree western girls, families with children, and tea-sipping cab drivers resting in the heat. This blend of the exotic and the ordinary captures the lively commotion of Turkish towns.”
Mosques at Sunset in Istanbul
By Barbara Isenburg
Who is Barbara Isenburg? An American expat in Istanbul and author of The Turkish Muse, Barbara writes to help newcomers adjust and to tell stories about life in Turkey through essays, photos, and advice.
Barbara says: “I have hundreds of photos from Turkey, but this remains a favorite. Taken in Istanbul, it shows the Sultanahmet Mosque and Aya Sofya at sunset. I took it a few years ago and it still captures a moment I love.”
The People of Turkey in Ankara
By Craig Martin
Who is Craig Martin? He runs The Indie Travel Podcast and other travel sites, and has traveled widely with his partner Linda, including trips through Turkey.
Craig says: “We had only a few hours in Ankara as we traveled east, enough to wander the city center and visit Ataturk’s mausoleum. We didn’t expect over 10,000 people protesting a bill to allow headscarves in universities, but that crowd became a memorable part of our brief stay.”
Harvesting the Barbunya Bean in Kayakoy, Fethiye
By Turkeys For Life
Who are Turkeys For Life? Julia and Barry blog about daily life in Fethiye. They enjoy exploring by car, cooking Turkish cuisine, and connecting with locals to learn more about Turkey each day.
Julia and Barry say: “One of our favorite photos was taken in Kayaköy near Fethiye. Kaya is a peaceful working village where we spend time with friends. This image shows the harvest of the barbunya bean, the main ingredient of barbunya pilaki. As food lovers who enjoy cooking Turkish recipes, we were fascinated by this scene.”
Celsus Library at Ephesus in Selcuk
By Matthew Long
Who is Matthew Long? Editor-in-chief of Land Lopers, Matt shares budget travel tips and destination guides. He’s a featured travel blogger with contributions to several major sites.
Matt says: “Although my visit was brief, every moment in Turkey felt remarkable. One of my favorite memories is of the ancient city of Ephesus. The Library of Celsus stands as an impressive monument to the intellect and engineering of a lost civilization.”
My View in Kirazli Koy
By Karen Philips
Who is Karen Philips? A freelance writer living in Turkey’s ecologic village Kirazli Koy near Kusadasi, Karen writes about daily life—from celebrating Christmas in a Muslim country to cooking with local ingredients.
Karen says: “I have a thousand images of Turkey: poppies among cherry trees, the morning light on Bafa Lake, village women cooking over an open fire for a wedding. But more than anything, this image of hills fading in layered tones is my Turkey. It’s a subtle view I see every day and often lose myself in.”
Pasha Mountain in Cappadocia
By Michael Hodson
Who is Michael? The traveling lawyer behind Go, See, Write, Michael has visited many countries including Turkey in 2009 and shares travel insights and photographs.
Michael says: “Cappadocia is one of the most unique places in the world and a must-see in Turkey. The people are friendly and the scenery is unlike anywhere else. Enjoy the unusual land formations and the great photographic opportunities.”
People of Turkey: The Street Vendor
By The Traveling Canucks
Who are The Traveling Canucks? Nicole and Cameron are Canadians who document travel, adventure, and discovery. They enjoy sharing stories, tips, photos, and videos from their journeys. Their most recent trip to Turkey was in November 2010.
Nicole and Cameron say: “One of the joys of visiting new countries is exploring the cuisine. Turkish food is underrepresented in Canada, so we relished sampling many dishes. This photo accompanied a post about Turkish cuisine, drinks, and eating habits.”
View From My Office in Antalya
By Cay With Jim
Who are Cay With Jim? Jim and DeeAnn Reynolds run a travel agency in Antalya specializing in custom, private, and luxury tours. Their blog shares the beauty of Turkey with others.
Jim and DeeAnn say: “This photo is a favorite because it’s the view from our office. Standing on the balcony, you can’t help but admire the mountains and the sea. It’s a simple pleasure that reminds us why we love sharing Turkey with others.”
Ortakoy Mosque in Istanbul
By Chris Christensen
Who is Chris Christensen? Creator of the Amateur Traveler Podcast, Chris produces audio and occasional video content about great travel destinations.
Chris says: “We hosted a Turkish exchange student for a year, and I later visited him and his family. I fell in love with Istanbul and its layers of history—from the old city walls and the basilica cistern to Hagia Sophia and Chora. This photo shows the mosque in Ortakoy beneath the Bosporus Bridge—an iconic image of the city.”
Joy of Simplicity in Istanbul
By Aaron Myers
Who is Aaron Myers? A language coach living in Istanbul, Aaron writes about daily life and raising a family on his blog Stories From Turkey.
Aaron says: “This photo was part of a post about living in Istanbul with kids. Our home in Çekmeköy borders a forest with trails, and with a little effort anyone can escape the concrete and enjoy the outdoors. These are my two wonderful children, Malachi and Sonora.”
My Next Door Neighbour in Milas
By Linda Kaya
Who is Linda? Author of Ayak Turkish Delight, Linda moved to Turkey from England in 1998 and now lives in a remote village near Milas.
Linda says: “One of my favorite photos shows a neighbor walking her cow and donkey down the hill near our house. It typifies village life and the scenery I see every day.”
Market Day in Istanbul
By Catherine Bayar
Who is Catherine Bayar? Married into a Kurdish family, Catherine writes about local crafts, traditions, and the differences she observes between women in Turkey and elsewhere on her blog Tales From Turkey.
Catherine says: “Picking one favorite photo is tough, but my market photo sums up Turkey for me. Bright peppers and flowers display a perfect randomness—vibrant, chaotic street life that captures the spirit of the country.”
Mihrimah Sultan Mosque in Istanbul
By Monica Wong
Who is Monica? Monica Wong is a social media coordinator and the author of A Pair of Panties & Boxers, sharing travel stories and life lessons from around the world.
Monica says: “The Mihrimah Sultan Mosque in Üsküdar is one of the area’s landmarks, designed by Mimar Sinan. When lit at night it looks magical, like something from a storybook.”
Galata Bridge in Istanbul
By Kim And Clark Kays
Who are Kim and Clark Kays? A couple who left a comfortable life to travel the world with backpacks, Kim and Clark documented their 2010 trip to Turkey on To Uncertainty And Beyond. Their photo of daily life on the Galata Bridge illustrates that while Turkey is unique and captivating, its people go about ordinary lives—moving from A to B and taking it one day at a time.