Tags
Ancient History, Diyarbakir, Gobeklitepe, Hasankeyif, Kurdish Travel, Mardin, Midyat, Mount Nemrut, Nemrud Dag, Off the beaten track, Sanliurfa, South East Turkey, Travel in Turkey
I lost a good few hours updating my photo gallery this week. I say ‘I lost them’ but perhaps ‘I got lost in them’ would be more appropriate, as I spent the time revisiting my past travels. I have seen some amazing things here in places some say you shouldn’t visit.
I remember a good few years ago, the first year I was with Murat, when I was having a general conversation about visiting his home town. The woman I was talking to almost broke out in a sweat, she said it wasn’t safe and that I, as a foreigner, could end up as a terrorist target. I’m sure she was well meaning but I have to say, İf you don’t have personal experience, then you really shouldn’t make those kind of comments.
In any event I ignored her warnings and have, several times, been exploring in the South East, an area where I feel you can touch the ancient past in a way that’s just not possible in many places. No rope to prevent you touching, no tourists to prevent you closing your eyes and soaking up the atmosphere and the opportunity to take wonderful photos.
I have caressed the heads of Babylonian Kings, traced a finger around ancient flint carvings made by cavemen, rooted around ancient cave dwellings and felt the smooth stone body of the world’s oldest life sized statue, a statue I’d never even heard of before. In the past, I trod the well-worn path in the Valley of Kings and crawled through the entrance to the well-publicised Pyramids and as awesome as that was, it does not compare to a private audience with the ancients that pre date those Egyptians.
My best tip for South East Travel would be; Go in October or November because the weather is pleasant and not too hot for the necessary clothing (covered) and of course, no tourists groups to obscure your views or penetrate your thoughts. However, I would also recommended travelling with a likeminded person, as you will definitely need someone to ‘WOW’ with.
With the right dress code and a respectful attitude, I’m sure your experience will be nothing but amazing.
Get off that beaten track and get lost in Turkey, it really is the best way to explore!
My mother’s from Northern Ireland and we used to visit during the height of Troubles. Some people said I was mad. They assumed that hoards of terrorists roamed the streets at night and my accent would make me an easy target. Well, I’m still here.
What do that say round the boardroom table Jack….’Assume’ makes an ass out of u and me! Their loss I say, they miss out on a lot. Talking of the troubles, I’m just reading ‘Harry’s Game’ at the minute – Have you read it? Is it realistic or over the top? x
I’m really eager to get down to the southwest… glad to see that fall is the time to do it, otherwise there wouldn’t be much holding me back from hopping a bus down tomorrow
Hey Sierra,
Nice to hear from you
Fall is definitely the right time for practicality! I’m going in November this year, got some research to do for the magazine.
Next year though I want to visit in June or July as it appears that’s the best time to climb Mt Ararat (have a look) http://www.ontheege.com/TravelE.html
That is pretty high on my ‘must do’ list!
My husband is from Izmir but we live in Canada….my country and he said he’s afraid to go to South east Turkey. I wish I could go b/c I would love to see Nemrut and Mardin but he won’t go…you sure are brave. I love reading your Blog.
Hi Erica,
Izmir is a great city! So much more vibrant and alive than where I live in Didim. It is only 2 hours drive though so great for a day trip. I can of course understand peoples apprehension about travelling to the South East of Turkey, but it is such as shame as for anyone that likes ancient history it is simply unique. I do hope you get to travel there one day and until then I will keep you posted by way of my blog
Have a great day.