Hagia Sophia
Hagia Sophia When planning my trip to Istanbul, I knew I wanted to stay near the city’s most iconic landmarks—Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace. From my base in the historic Sultanahmet neighborhood, I set out to photograph Hagia Sophia at...
Istanbul, Türkiye
Istanbul, Türkiye I spent six unforgettable days in Istanbul, Türkiye. When I visit a city, I always seek out the historic landmarks and must-see sights—but what I enjoy most is simply wandering. There’s something special about letting a city unfold at its own pace,...
Topkapi Palace & Harem
Topkapı Palace: The Heart of the Ottoman Empire Rising above the meeting point of the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn, Topkapı Palace was the political and ceremonial center of the Ottoman Empire for nearly four centuries. Commissioned by Sultan Mehmed II shortly after...
Smyrna, Izmir
Smyrna: Ancient Echoes in Modern Izmir Walking through Izmir, it’s easy to forget you're standing atop millennia of layered history. Known in antiquity as Smyrna, this coastal city was once among the crown jewels of the Aegean. Founded by the Greeks as early as...
Secluk, Türkiye
Selçuk, Türkiye: Hilltop of Empires and Faith In the heart of western Türkiye, the town of Selçuk rests beneath Ayasuluk Hill—an ancient stronghold where religion and empire converged. At the summit, two powerful remnants tell the story of centuries past: the...
Ephesus, Türkiye
Ephesus, Turkey I arrived in Selçuk, Türkiye, the modern gateway to Ephesus, a city I had long wanted to explore. My host at the guesthouse suggested a three-hour tour, but I laughed knowing I’d spend far longer. I chose to walk alone along a peaceful countryside...
Hierapolis and Pamukkale
Hierapolis and Pamukkale One of the most unforgettable stops on my journey through Türkiye was the ancient city of Hierapolis, resting above the surreal white terraces of Pamukkale, meaning “Cotton Castle” in Turkish. The terraces, formed over millennia by...
Antalya, Turkey
Antalya: Gateway to the Past on the Turquoise Coast Nestled between the Taurus Mountains and the Mediterranean Sea, Antalya is where natural beauty meets layers of ancient history. Known today as a resort city with turquoise waters and modern marinas,...
Kaymakli-Cappadocia
Kaymaklı Underground City – First Steps into a Forgotten World I arrived early and was the first person to enter Kaymaklı Underground City that morning. For at least 30 minutes, I had the ancient tunnels completely to myself. No voices, no footsteps—just...
Göreme-Cappadocia
Göreme, Cappadocia: A Landscape Carved by Time Nestled in the heart of Cappadocia, Göreme is a place where history and geology merge into something surreal. Its soft volcanic rock has been shaped by wind, water, and human hands for thousands of years. Ancient...
Cappadocia National Park
Goreme Historical National Park I got up early in the morning in Göreme to find the skies cold and overcast—but the light was soft, perfect for wandering. After a warm, hearty breakfast at King’s Café, I set out for what I thought would be a simple morning walk. That...