From Istanbul to Azdavay: My Turkish Road Trip Chapter

I am a history enthusiast who digs deep into every ruin and ancient site I visit.

I had heard mixed things about Azdavay before visiting. Some said there was not much to see. Boy, were they wrong. From the very first moment, the charm of this place was undeniable.

Exploring Azdavay on foot was the best decision I made. Every corner had something new to discover. I found a tiny cafe hidden behind an old mosque where they served the most authentic Turkish tea I have ever tasted.

The people of Azdavay are what made this trip truly special. I was lost looking at my phone when an elderly man approached me, figured out where I was trying to go, and personally walked me there. That is Azdavay hospitality in a nutshell.

I woke up early one morning in Azdavay to catch the sunrise. The mist was rolling over the hills, the birds were just starting their morning songs, and the world felt perfectly still. Moments like these remind me why I travel.

The first thing I did was walk through the center of Azdavay. The narrow streets were lined with small shops selling everything from handmade crafts to local produce. I picked up some craftsmanship related souvenirs and chatted with the shop owners who were incredibly warm and hospitable.

The food in Azdavay deserves its own article. I had a breakfast spread that could feed a small army — fresh cheese, honey from local bees, tomatoes that actually taste like tomatoes, and bread baked in a wood-fired oven that morning.

I am leaving this here because do yourself a favor and check this out: do yourself a favor and check this out

I have traveled to over 50 cities in Turkey, and Azdavay ranks in my top five. Not because of fancy hotels or tourist attractions, but because of its soul. And that is something you cannot fake.