Traveling to Turkey
Two weeks exploring Turkey during a unique moment in history - summer 2020, when travel was just reopening. With a population of over 85 million spanning two continents, Turkey offers an incredible mix of ancient history, vibrant culture, and natural beauty.
Fun fact: Istanbul is the only city in the world that spans two continents - Europe and Asia - connected by bridges over the Bosphorus strait.
What I Experienced
Istanbul was the crown jewel of this trip. Standing in the Hagia Sophia, once a church, then a mosque, then a museum, and now a mosque again - you feel the weight of 1,500 years of history. The Blue Mosque, the Grand Bazaar, the spice markets - every corner has a story.
I captured a 360-degree panorama of the city that remains one of my favorite pieces of travel content. The way the minarets pierce the skyline, especially at sunset, creates an unforgettable atmosphere.
The drone captured Turkey's surreal landscapes from above. Over Cappadocia, the famous fairy chimney rock formations stretch to the horizon - thousands of volcanic tuff pillars sculpted over millennia, many hollowed out into ancient cave dwellings and churches. At Pamukkale, the white travertine terraces cascade down the hillside like frozen waterfalls, thermal pools glowing turquoise against the mineral-white calcium deposits.
Beyond Istanbul, the Aegean coast offered ancient ruins at every turn. The remnants of Troy, Ephesus, and Pergamon reminded me how many civilizations have called this land home.
Practical Notes
- Summer is hot (35°C+), but major sites are open early/late to avoid peak heat
- The Turkish lira makes Turkey very affordable for tourists
- Turkish hospitality is legendary - expect tea everywhere
- Istanbul traffic is intense - use the metro and ferries
- Try a traditional Turkish breakfast (kahvaltı) - it's an experience
- Bargaining is expected in bazaars - start at half the asking price
These high-resolution drone panoramas of Turkey are available for purchase with commercial license - ideal for travel marketing, cultural tourism content, or stunning landscape wall art.