aegean
After landing in Afyon in August 2020, the journey into the Aegean region began with a very “Anatolian” kind of stop. At the legendary Aşçı Bacaksız, most of the limited daily meat portions were already sold out, so instead of meat, ekmek kadayıfı was enjoyed — which somehow felt like part of the ritual. From Halim Usta, a perfectly cooked incik followed, setting the tone for a trip that would mix landscapes, history, and serious local food. A short stop in İzmir came next, more like a passing glance at the city rather than a full exploration.
In July 2021, the real Aegean route unfolded, starting from the calm waters of Akyaka Azmak. From there, the road stretched through Bördübet and reached Datça — a peninsula that feels like it exists in its own rhythm. The old stone houses of Eski Datça, the iconic windmills, and the ancient city of Knidos gave Datça a timeless atmosphere where antiquity and village life blend naturally. On the way back, Çubucak Nature Park offered a quiet forest break before heading toward Bozburun. There, a peaceful wooden hotel with sea views became home for a while. The drive through Aşıklar Yolu added a poetic layer to the journey, followed by a stop at Bozüyük for photos and small explorations.
The route continued toward Bodrum, with a visit to Gümüşlük and then Yalıkavak, where more windmills appeared against the deep blue horizon. After passing through Bozüyük again, the road led to Bafa Lake — a striking natural and historical landscape. A small fishing boat tour across the lake revealed ancient rock tombs and silent islands. From there, Güllübahçe became the next stop, where in Doğanbey, fresh fish was enjoyed at Abdül’ün Yeri, a place that feels as local as it gets. Şirince followed, although its touristic vibe did not resonate as much as the quieter Aegean villages.
In September 2021, another journey led to Bergama for a wedding — but not without stepping into history. The ancient city of Pergamon, along with the Red Basilica (Kızıl Avlu) and the Asklepion, offered a powerful reminder of how deep the roots of medicine, belief, and architecture run in this land. From Bergama, the road curved toward Eski Foça, a coastal town with a gentle, nostalgic charm. On the way back, Menemen Taşhane provided a final, traditional stop.
October 2023 brought another wedding and another return to İzmir. This time, a short grape break in Sardes added a rural pause to the journey. In İzmir itself, the colorful Dario Moreno Street, the historic İzmir Girls’ High School, and the lively Kemeraltı Bazaar were explored — where kokoreç and pickles completed the day in the most İzmir way possible.
Across different years and seasons, these Aegean routes revealed a region that moves between ancient civilizations, small coastal towns, quiet nature, and strong culinary traditions — a geography that never feels rushed, yet always feels deeply rooted.
