The dessert city of Yazd was during the time of the silk road one important stop for the traders and the carawans. Today, the city has a rather sleepy character even though the city has more than half a million inhabitants. The efforts for more tourism are clearly visible.
Category Archives: Silk Road
Shiraz: Unusual Conditions
The city of Shiraz is primarily famous through the ancient city of Persepolis, the capital of the first Persian Empire. The city itself however also sports quite many attractions, especially gardens and parks, as well as curious students.
Esfahan: Wonderful City
One of the destinations I had chosen before leaving on my trip was Esfahan. The city in central Iran is full of interesting sights. I did not see many of them, since there were a few more surprises.
Kashan: The Little Jewel
Following Ali’s recommendation, I visited the town of Kashan, 3 hours by bus South of Teheran. Besides the typical tourist sights, Kashan has to offer a few extras.
Tehran: Chaotic Traffic
After my long train ride from Turkey to Tehran, I had three days to discover the capital of Iran. The city has a very distinct character, which reflects the character of the people in Iran.
Van: Kurdish Hospitality
My last stop in Turkey was going to be the recently earthquake-hit city of Van. The uncertainty, whether a trip through this area was actually possible, was big. However, I still tried and the trip was definitely worth it.
Malatya: The Other Side of Turkey
The trains from Turkey to Iran run 3 times a week. I neither wanted to rush through Turkey, nor did I want to spend too much time in Cappadoccia, which is why I decided to stop in Malatya.
Cappadocia: Let’s Rock
One thing was clear from the onset of my trip: I would definitively visit Cappadoccia. I was so impressed by the images of the rock formations, that I absolutely wanted to visit the place. From all angles!
Ankara: Turkish City Life
On Sunday, I took the train from Istanbul to the Turkish capital, to Ankara. Not a dream destination for tourists, the city is a good stop to cut bus and train journeys short to experience Turkish city life. Besides, I had other reasons to visit the second largest city in Turkey.
Istanbul: Extremes
One big step for Oli, no step at all for mankind: for the first time in my life, I see and step on Asian soil. At least according to geography. Between seeing and touching, a couple of days passed, during which I had time to discover the European side of Turkey’s largest city, Istanbul.