When visiting rural areas the traveller might think that the fun is over. However, this is far from being truthful, as confirmed through my personal experiences. I have come to believe that familiarising oneself with new, more modest sights, allows the traveller to appreciate details of daily life that otherwise would be ignored or considered unimportant.

During my time in rural Turkey I was very contented to see and experience town life and the dynamics that dictate the course of daily events far from the country's metropolises. It was through the interaction with local people that I caught a glimpse of the kind-hearted nature of the inhabitants of Cappadocia. From my new friend Mustafa, who invited me for a tea and recited all the world's capital cities by heart, to one of the funniest conversations I've ever had with a man called Yunus, who explained his name means dolphin in Turkish. All these experiences configured my idea of Central Anatolia and are now the most beautiful souvenirs I have of that trip, memories that I carry with me everywhere and all the time.

The following pictures correspond to my daily wanderings in Goreme, my home in Cappadocia, and a day excursion to the town of Avanos, located on the Kizilirmak River, the longest river in Turkey. Avanos' most famous historical feature is the production of earthenware pottery, which is made with the red silt extracted from the river banks. This practice dates back to the Hittites and is still the most important economic activity of the town.

Goreme will always be very close to my heart. I can think of few places that have a similar atmosphere than that of Goreme, making it a special place that the traveller should take in consideration when travelling around Turkey. Even though some people say it has become a touristy town, I still found moments to enjoy the beauty of the Turkish countryside and the ever friendly nature of its inhabitants. A visit to the Goreme Open Air museum is enough to convince anybody of the exceptional historical and natural wonders of this region, adorned with ancient cave dwellings and primitive churches used by the first Christian communities.

Waking up every morning to the sound of a donkey outside the hostel and overlooking the amazing valleys of rock formations surrounding Goreme are impressions that I will cherish forever and that have cultivated in me a special love for the rural areas of the world.

Omurlu ceramics, Avanos.

Omurlu ceramics, Avanos.

Omurlu ceramics, Avanos.

Omurlu ceramics, Avanos.

Goreme Open Air museum.

Goreme Open Air museum.

Goreme Open Air museum.

Goreme Open Air museum.

Goreme Open Air museum.

Goreme Open Air museum.

Exploring Goreme.

Exploring Goreme.

Exploring Goreme.

One of the most special and spiritual moments of my time in Cappadocia, the historical region in the heart of Turkey, was witnessing a Sema ceremony inside a cave. I can speak of only a handful of moments that have left me completely blown away and this was one of them.

Sema or ceremony of the whirling dervishes is performed by the Sufi monks of the Mevlevi order founded by the followers of the Persian poet, Islamic scholar, jurist and Sufi mystic Rumi. In 2008 UNESCO confirmed it as one of the 'Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity'.

According to the story, Rumi (also called Mevlana) was walking through a marketplace in a town when he heard the rhythmic hammering of goldbeaters and the chant "la ilaha ilallah" ("No god but Allah") and he felt so happy that he started spinning in circles. This is one of the only religious ceremonies in the world performed with music, making it one of the most incredible performances you'll ever watch, also referred to as a 'spiritual concert'.

Sema represents the mystical journey of man's spiritual ascent through the mind and love of perfection. The ceremony consists of various stages, but it reaches its peak when the monks start whirling and open their arms to receive god's blessings. With one hand opened to receive god's messages and with the other reaching out to share it, the ceremony involves everyone in this spiritual journey of the monks.

I remember there being only silence until the sound of flutes and tambourines started to fill the room, preceding the solemn entrance of those travellers of the mystical realm. As they closed their eyes and whirled their way to a trance-like state of ecstasy, I closed mine and felt like I was a part of it too. I opened them again only to see the monks connecting with their creator through movement and this pure energy that was taking over the entire cave. It was so overwhelmingly beautiful that I had chills running down my spine even after it was over.

This practice is said to be meant to reveal what's inside of one's heart, rather than to create feelings. I remember thinking that this is one of the reasons why I travel: to see the beauty of the world and to see the beauty of the mind. We only need to open our eyes and listen.

Sema ceremony.

Sema ceremony.

Sema ceremony.

Sema ceremony.

Sema ceremony.

Sema ceremony.

Sema ceremony.

Sema ceremony.

Sema ceremony.

Sema ceremony.

Sema ceremony.

Sema ceremony.

Inside the cave.

After the ceremony.

 Seven advice of the Mevlana:

Either you appear as you are or be as you appear. 

Cappadocia <3