Turkey is a photographer’s dream.
Situated at the crossroads of the Middle East and Europe, with interesting geography, architecture and people, there are many beautiful and unique things to photograph. Although we saw the most famous places – Istanbul, Cappadocia, Pamukkale and Ephesus – I am left wanting more. I want to return to the eastern half of this Texas-sized country and see places off the beaten path. I am sure I will go back soon.
Below are my 10 favorite photos from our recent trip and a poll where you can vote for your favorite. Voting for your favorite is like comparing apples and oranges, or landscapes, people and mosques, to me more specific. Obviously #10 is the clearly the best, but please don’t everyone vote for it.
After voting, let me know which photo is your favorite and why in the comments section. Comments make me happy.
1. Galata Bridge Fisherman
Galata Bridge was my favorite place in Istanbul. The double-decker bridge has cafes, bars and restaurants down below and is full of pedestrians, cars and combat fishing on top.
After four dreary, rainy days, the sun finally came out and we were rewarded with this stunning sunset. I feel like everything came together for this shot: the fisherman to the left turned to face the camera, the ferries are in the right place in the water and of course the sun and clouds cooperated.
2. Blue Mosque Interior
I really like mosques. The architecture, the minarets and colorful details are purely exotic, and the Blue Mosque was one of the coolest I’ve visited. The interior walls are covered in intricate designs; the entire structure is art.
3. Turkish Girls in a Park
I like how the the two girls have such genuine, pretty smiles and how along with their mother, are amused by something off screen. It vaguely reminds me of the famous Spanish painting “Two Women at a Window” (see footnote). I also like how iPhones transcend culture as the young girl is fixated by her phone, oblivious to what is going on around her.
4. Mt. Erciyes
The rugged, whimsical landscapes of hoodoos, caves, ravines and arches that make up Cappadocia are a result of ancient lava flows from Mt. Erciyes.
5. Galata Bridge Sunset
The classic Istanbul sunset from the Galata Bridge.
6. Hoodoos in Cappadocia
Hiking among the otherworldly penis rocks hoodoos, pillars and spires in Cappadocia, I was able to get many excellent photos. It isn’t difficult: raise camera, press button. I like this one because it provides a little different perspective than normal.
7. Hot Air Balloons over Cappadocia
Sometimes in life, it is worth waking up an hour before sunrise and hiking up a steep hill in the freezing cold. At one time I counted about 70 balloons in the sky over Cappadocia. I would have loved to have taken a ride, but I would have fallen out of the balloon to certain death. That is a fact.
8. Hot Air Balloon
The more skilled hot air balloon pilots can maneuver between the hoodoos, canyons and cliffs. This balloon dropped down into a canyon and rose up right next to me. I thought about doing some James Bond move and hopping on for a free ride.
9. Aya Sofya and Fountain at Night
The Aya Sofya and the Blue Mosque are only a few hundred meters apart from each other, separated by a park and fountain. The park was crowded with tourists by day, but surprisingly empty at night with spitting rain and freezing wind.
10. Pamukalle Bride
Pamukalle is a land of strange landscapes and even stranger tourists. I really don’t know what to say about this photo. It renders me speechless.
Note: I got the idea for the this post and the poll from krahnpix.com, an entertaining wildlife photography blog that you should be reading.
Footnote: Of all the famous paintings in the world, I am most familiar with “Two Women at a Window.” I have examined this photo an estimated 5,000 times. Why, you might ask? A copy was mounted over the urinal at a golf course where I worked and played for many years.
Planet Bell 
Reblogged this on mapsworldwide blog.
lovely spaces and places…Turkey is a wonderful country…great place to travel as well.
Wow!
WOW….I am missing my Turkey trip….i started my photography lessons there
Very cool. Where did you do your lessons?
Before traveling to turkey I did a short course in photography ….happened to travel to turkey so got the opportunity to explore this hobby…have a few Turkish photographer friends in Istanbul too
Turkey is on my list of places to visit. It looks so gorgeous. On day…one day…
There are so many places to visit. I hope you make it soon.
hey jeff, your pics are lovely…and it was such a pleasure to see Turkey from someone else’s perspective…Turkey is a gorgeous country with beauty all around. I wrote a blog too on Turkey and hence I know what you mean that you were left wanting more. Congratulations on being freshly pressed.
You are a really awesome photographer.
Thank you very much.
Excellent work
Thank you!
I love all of the photos. You have a great eye, and a nice writing style as well.
Thank you very much for the kind words.
I read your post about Turkey. I did a Vlog about my trip to Istanbul and Athens. We seem to enjoy the places not to mention the food.
Those are two great destinations, especially for foodies.
Reblogged this on From Tee with Love.
Excellent photos – if only they were higher res. I wish I could visit Turkey.
I have higher res photos but didn’t want to post them on the blog where they can be so easily stolen 🙂
Higher res photos are at jeffbellphotography.smugmug.com
I love the HDR in the first shot. Awesome!
Thank you. It isn’t true HDR though. I brought out the details in the shadows using Lightroom.
It’s a very nice.
mooi
Beautiful! I was recently in Istanbul and was amazed by its history and beauty.
That is a cool corner of the world. Did it make you want to see more of Turkey or more of Eastern Europe?
It’s amazing.. 🙂
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Good article ! i will coming back in your page soon !
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Le spécialiste du visa pour la Russie, la chine, l’Inde,le Cameroun, le Congo.
Thank you for sharing.
Rindge
Truly stunning – Thank You!
Beautiful pictures. Just lovely. I especially love the balloons at sunset. Spectacular.
Thank you. That seems to be one of the favorites. Thanks for reading and commenting.
Great pics! I was in Turkey in 2012. The entire country was amazing but I must say Cappadocia was my favorite.
Cappadocia was our favorite also. There is so many different things to see in the area, from rock cut churches, underground cities to the natural landscapes that I was continually impressed by something different.
Can I choose all 10? 🙂 But for this poll’s purpose, let me choose #2. I am in awe of natural beauty. But I wonder more on those awesome man-made structures, how intricate details are built by mere hands. It’s really a genius how man can imitate and sometimes equal the beauty of nature.
Some of the buildings in the old world are amazing. We just don’t make them like we used to. Thanks for voting!
No worries.. Is it okay if I reblog this? (sometime in the future.) I’m planning of featuring blogs of places I haven’t been to but really captivates me. 😉
Yes, I’d be honored if you re-blogged it. I hope you get to go there someday.
Lovely photos. especailly the mosque
Thank you. I didn’t expect the interiors to be so beautiful and ornate. Thank you for commenting.
Reblogged this on The Tale Of Bitter Truth.
First of all – beautiful photography. But the last one will definitely win your poll because of how freaky it is! 😀
The last one is winning and will probably take the 1st prize. Thank you for the kind words and for commenting.
Thank you for sharing your inspirational pics!
Thank you!
I have been to Turkey, but not to Pamukalle. Yet, I have been on similar beaches (one in Cyprus) and I think I saw that same guy! Ha! But from the backside…and it was a thong! Oh my….
There should be an international law against things like this. We need a new Geneva Convention for travelers and an international traveler detention center for them.
Most definitely!
Here’s one of mine from Ephesus…http://delanasworld.wordpress.com/2012/10/04/love-or-knowledge-which-is-greater/
Thank you for sharing these beautiful pictures of Turkey! If only traveling abroad doesn’t require too much money, I’d be there in a flash.
It can be expensive, especially getting there. I usually go to cheap places like India or Latin America. Turkey was expensive, but worth it in the end.
Right! I would add those places in my bucket list! Happy holidays and enjoy your travels!
Very nice photos. You captured the beauty and essence of Turkey in 10 photos. I wish you had some of the Grand bazaar, it is well known for its insanely combined colors…
The Grand Bazaar is very colorful and a real treat to visit. I did get some decent photos there but haven’t posted yet. Maybe they will make it into a later photo post.
Such a tough decision, but I have to go with 7. Absolutely beautiful! I feel revived just by looking at this picture. Thanks for sharing!
Somewhat to my surprise, that photos is currently ranked 4th with 10%. I thought it would be higher. Thank you for voting and commenting.
Even two pic may shows your great eyeview…
http://sivaparkavi.wordpress.com/
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cool
Great captures Jeff, nice stories as well!
Kiponblogging 🙂
Nice post and blog.
If there is any chance you like films from around the world from any period please check out my blog. http://aworldoffilm.com/
The pictures are awsome 🙂
Thank you!
I love all your photographs! Reminds me of my time in Turkey 🙂
Reblogged this on yoolee14's Blog and commented:
I hope to get the Fulbright award next year to Turkey!!
That would be pretty cool. I hope you get to go.
beautiful!!!
Thank you.
Absolutely incredible photos. What a beautiful place and what glorious colours!
Thank you. Turkey did the hard work, I just brought my camera 🙂
Give yourself more credit, you’ve obviously got an excellent eye!
like the photos
Thank you!
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Great photos! My favorite are the hot air balloons over Cappadocia, amazing!
Thank you Laura.
Lovely photos.
Thank you.
Reblogged this on Love. Life. and commented:
Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas to you too!
I love Turkey! My favourite is the hot air balloon in Cappadocia. Just epic!
Thank you! That was a surreal, epic morning.
I was in Turkey 2 years ago and went to all those places. The hot air balloon is one of my most memorable experiences. Totally surreal!
I would have loved to do the hot air balloon, but I have a crippling fear of heights. I did enjoy it from the ground.
I’m sure it was just as spectacular to be there watching all the balloons up in the air! I would go back to Turkey. Such a beautiful country
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