Terrifically captured in multiple films, including Zoya Akhtar’s Dil Dhadakne Do, and one of the most famous hot air ballooning destinations in the world, Cappadocia is a part of the central Anatolian region of Turkey.
Hot in the day and cool in the evenings, Cappadocia has had its place in history since 600BC, when it was mentioned in ancient Achaemenian texts and also in the holy bible as being one of the first peoples to hear the gospel in their own language.
Volcanic eruptions millions of years ago, created sedimentary rocks and ignimbrite deposits that underlie the Cappadocia region. The rocks of Cappadocia near Göreme eroded into hundreds of spectacular pillars and minaret-like forms, popularly referred to as “fairy chimneys”.
The soft volcanic rock was perfect when humans arrived in this region. Houses, churches and monasteries were carved out from the soft rocks of volcanic deposits. The deeper they dug, the cooler the spaces became, protecting them from the harsh sun, yet keeping the temperature steady in the cold winters.
Our day kicked off at 4am, actually it never ended as we stayed up partying till 3:30am….a quick 10 min cat nap and ready to go by 3:50am. That’s what you call enduarance 🤩.
Cappadocia’s single most popular activity is best enjoyed at the crack of dawn, to enjoy glorious sunrises. Setting off in small van’s we were taken to one of the most spectacular human creations I have seen. The hot air balloon field.Hundreds of gigantic, colourful, hot air balloons filled the land as far as the eye could see. A large field in the valley, full of activity as the operators prepared to take people up for a ride of their lives. Each balloon ride lasts about 45 minsholding between 16 – 20 people and no children below the age of 6 are allowed for safety reasons.
Quickly we headed over to our balloon and were helped in. Each balloon had 2 pilots to manage and manoeuvre the huge inflated balloon. Weather conditions were perfect and our experienced pilot gave the signal to let the anchoring ropes loose. Lifting off, I felt weightless, like I was a feather floating off in the slight breeze. The air was cool and our balloon was one of the first to lift off.
Cappadocia is hugely popular for hot air ballooning because balloons here are allowed to descend very low to the ground due to the lack of wildlife. We got to experience the tops of the “fairy chimney’s” and fly over orchard filled plateaus and into the valley itself. Visibility was excellent as we got a bird’s eye view of the sinewy valleys and landscapes of Cappadocia. The spectacle on the ground was equally matched by vivid and colourful balloons dotting the beautiful sky filling fast with the light of breaking dawn. Life felt colourful and beautiful.
A bumpy landing later, we were offered refreshments before making our way back for a quick nap before exploring this stunningly petrified landscape on foot. Exploring the “imagination valley” and letting our minds free, we imagined the eroded rock formations as elephants, camels, turtles and what not!
Wandering off in the afternoon looking for local art, we stumbled upon Paper Marbling; the Magnificent Turkish Art is a dance of colours in water. This Magnificent Turkish Art dating back centuries, is the process of transferring the patterns made on specially prepared water with brush strokes and auxiliary tools on paper. Called “Ebru” in Turkish, this art is colourful and precious art that has become a visual feast.
Güler Somtürk a local artist and her daughter demonstrate this beautiful technique in their workshop in Urgup, Cappadocia.
The day so far had been exciting filled with new experiences. But not over yet. The plan for the evening was something I have desired to experience for a very long time. Our wonderful team at Adventures Overland had planned an evening with the “Whirling Dervishes”. Whirling dervish ceremonies were started as a form of meditation by Rumi, the famous Sufi Muslim mystic and poet, in the 13th century. They were banned as this form of worship was deemed un-islamic. However, in recent years the Turkish government recognized it’s place in the culture of the country and reinstated the practice.
“There are many roads which lead to God” said Rumi, “I have chosen the one of dance and music.” He would fast, mediate and then dance to reach a state of unparalleled enlightenment.Through the practice of “sema,” or listening, in a prayer-induced trance, the Dervishes aim to act as a bridge between God and humankind. The Dervishes turn as one arm reaches to the sky “taking from God” and the other “gives life to the earth”.
Mevlana Rumi has been one of my favourite poets for a long time. I have been known to quote him on occasion as I find his words resonate strongly with me.
An opportunity to witness a form of meditation, leading to a state of heightened awareness and release of the ego, has been captured and preserved in my memory forever.
“The universe is not outside of you. Look inside yourself; everything that you want, you already are.” Rumi
https://www.instagram.com/kapadokyaebru/?hl=en for Ebru art
The Jasmine trails 