Soulful journey to Turkey

by Unaiza Shoaib (Pakistan)

Making a local connection Pakistan

I have never been to any solo trip but surprisingly I always find myself lonesome while observing the environment during travelling and there is a lot to share. Well, in the brief essay I chose to share about my journey to my favourite country where I felt the spiritual connection and that is Turkey. Turkey is a diverse country with different cultures, religions and norms. My journey started in the populated city of Istanbul. Just like the uniqueness of the majestic history of divine building I call it mosque or a church or a museum conserving the collective history of the city i.e. Haghia Sophia I have been truly fascinated by the journey through the entire city. This fascination was not just by the beauty of the city withhold but the enriched history which have been apprehensively conserved and reputable to all religious groups residing in the city. People in the city celebrates each event, respect each others religion and culture and have no racism throughout. Not just religious diversity is accountable but meeting of two seas and the integration of two different continents at one point in Istanbul made me once again fell in love. That Bosphorous cruise trip on cloudy, rainy weather was stupendous. The breeze complimented the experience of witnessing the meet up of two continents at one side Europe and the other side Asia . It made me realized that how well the strategic location of the city at two continents and two seas metaphorically relatable to the unity of the its citizens with entirely different religions and norms. I felt like I already experienced the true essence of journey but it was just the beginning. After 2 days of a wonderful visit at Istanbul I went to Ephesus and Pammukkalle . It was a one day trip and a lot was already waiting for me to learn. The history of Romans were well told by tour guide but the old, crumble left overs of the tribe was already narrating its own story. As we went through monuments one by one I got to know how the pride vanishes and everything is under control of supreme power who can't be seen but have all the strength to change the entire situation of any community, city, country or even entire world. Long ago Ephesus was the trade centre of the globe and was economically empowered but the discrimination, caste system, cruelty of kings and soldiers fell the city apart and the trade centre turned into nothing but just a lifeless piece of shattered monuments who is just enough to give proof that someone used to exist in that place long before. Then the very next day we went to Fethiye. So, Basically locals criticized upon my decision of choosing Fethiye instead of Antalya for visiting the islands of Turkey. Antalya is famous and a busy city entertaining tourists like Istanbul. However, I was not in a mood to travel Antalya and thankfully never regretted the decision. Though Fethiye was far away without any airport and also did not have high quality hotels and touring sites but it had one thing which I demand above all throughout my travelling trips and that is peace of mind and close interaction with the nature which I truly received in my last destination of Fethiye. The 6 bath island tour in Fethiye and the sparkling plus colorful nights at the streets of Fethiye, the cool breeze, simple and cosy hotel rooms and green mountains with chirping birds melted my heart. There was no internet service at hotel and it made me annoyed for a while but sooner or later it made me realized that I adored my “ME" time most over there only. My prayers were more peaceful than ever and my soul was more energized and active than ever. The trip of Turkey ended wonderfully. Well ended would not be a suitable word for such awesome travelling experience because I would never be able to efface out my memorable journey and would surely prefer to go again to Turkey...