Turkey
A country that hadn’t been on my bucket list for a long time, since I was convinced it does not have much to offer in terms of natural beauty. And even though you sometimes have to look a little harder, you can find places in Turkey that surprise you with their uniqueness and appeal: from colorful deserts to snow-capped mountain ranges. In the landscape of Cappadocia, natural wonders blend in an unprecedented way with history and historical sites in the form of rock-cut cities.
Every morning, hundreds of hot-air balloons float above the fascinating rock formations of Cappadocia. It is a spectacle that has, to a large extent, come to define how we perceive this region, yet it does not feel intrusive. It may not be easy to capture the local rock formations in the morning light without modern human influences, but it is precisely these that can help in a different way. Few places make a photographer long for a clear sky quite as much as Cappadocia, and what’s more, no view will ever be quite the same.
In Rocket valley
Every morning, hundreds of hot-air balloons float above the fascinating rock formations of Cappadocia. It is a spectacle that has, to a large extent, come to define how we perceive this region, yet it does not feel intrusive. It may not be easy to capture the local rock formations in the morning light without modern human influences, but it is precisely these that can help in a different way. Few places make a photographer long for a clear sky quite as much as Cappadocia, and what’s more, no view will ever be quite the same.
- Camera used: SONY ILCE-7C
- Exposure time: 1/80 s
- Aperture: f/8.0
- Focal length: 35mm
- ISO: 100
- Date taken: Oct 4, 2026 05:53:04
Among the rocky outcrops and pillars formed from volcanic tuff, you can spend hours searching for new vistas. In the right light, stunning views can be found at virtually every turn. All you need to do is angle your lens just right, and Cappadocia will reveal why it is one of the most breathtaking landscapes in the world.
Cappadocia
Among the rocky outcrops and pillars formed from volcanic tuff, you can spend hours searching for new vistas. In the right light, stunning views can be found at virtually every turn. All you need to do is angle your lens just right, and Cappadocia will reveal why it is one of the most breathtaking landscapes in the world.
- Camera used: SONY ILCE-7C
- Exposure time: 1/40 s
- Aperture: f/7.1
- Focal length: 74mm
- ISO: 100
- Date taken: Oct 5, 2026 16:55:18
If you walk just a few hundred metres off the beaten path from the well-known viewpoints, completely new and fascinating views open up. Not only can you see a significant part of Cappadocia from an attractive vantage point here, but the very structure of the rocks in the neighbouring valleys is also fascinating; their walls, facing the setting sun, literally burst with colour.
Red and Rose valley
If you walk just a few hundred metres off the beaten path from the well-known viewpoints, completely new and fascinating views open up. Not only can you see a significant part of Cappadocia from an attractive vantage point here, but the very structure of the rocks in the neighbouring valleys is also fascinating; their walls, facing the setting sun, literally burst with colour.
- Camera used: SONY ILCE-7C
- Exposure time: 1/30 s
- Aperture: f/7.1
- Focal length: 21mm
- ISO: 100
- Date taken: Oct 5, 2026 16:57:16
The seemingly endless layers of rainbow-colored mountains overlap in gentle curves all the way to the horizon. The unprecedented shapes of this desolate landscape appear strange even in daylight, but it is only the soft rays of the morning sun that truly highlight the terrain’s unusual contours.
Rainbow moutnains
The seemingly endless layers of rainbow-colored mountains overlap in gentle curves all the way to the horizon. The unprecedented shapes of this desolate landscape appear strange even in daylight, but it is only the soft rays of the morning sun that truly highlight the terrain’s unusual contours.
- Camera used: SONY ILCE-7C
- Exposure time: 1/250 s
- Aperture: f/6.3
- Focal length: 96mm
- ISO: 250
- Date taken: Oct 9, 2026 06:07:54
The sky above the rocky castle darkens in the afternoon, only for a few rays of sunshine to break through the heavy clouds in the early evening. The stunning backlight is truly magical, softening the contours of the landscape and warming the colours, whilst the dark clouds retain their dramatic charm.
Uçhisar
The sky above the rocky castle darkens in the afternoon, only for a few rays of sunshine to break through the heavy clouds in the early evening. The stunning backlight is truly magical, softening the contours of the landscape and warming the colours, whilst the dark clouds retain their dramatic charm.
- Camera used: SONY ILCE-7C
- Exposure time: 1/50 s
- Aperture: f/7.1
- Focal length: 51mm
- ISO: 100
- Date taken: Oct 4, 2026 16:25:32
Long before sunrise, unfolds what is arguably the most captivating part of the hot-air balloon spectacle that takes place every morning above the Kappadokia. Every now and then, the individual balloons light up like little bulbs with a flame that propels them upwards into the sky, creating a perfect contrast against the landscape, which remains bathed in the bluish hues of the night.
Balloons over Cappadocia
Long before sunrise, unfolds what is arguably the most captivating part of the hot-air balloon spectacle that takes place every morning above the Kappadokia. Every now and then, the individual balloons light up like little bulbs with a flame that propels them upwards into the sky, creating a perfect contrast against the landscape, which remains bathed in the bluish hues of the night.
- Camera used: SONY ILCE-7C
- Exposure time: 1/4 s
- Aperture: f/6.3
- Focal length: 50mm
- ISO: 800
- Date taken: Oct 6, 2026 05:12:45
The Aladağlar Mountains begin abruptly, rising directly from the Anatolian plains. One of the peaks at the very start of the range is the majestic Demirkazik, which, according to pastoral traditions, is a giant nail that holds the entire world together. At dawn, the scenery, with its freshly snow-capped peak, takes on a dreamlike atmosphere and muted hues.
The Demirkazik Pyramid
The Aladağlar Mountains begin abruptly, rising directly from the Anatolian plains. One of the peaks at the very start of the range is the majestic Demirkazik, which, according to pastoral traditions, is a giant nail that holds the entire world together. At dawn, the scenery, with its freshly snow-capped peak, takes on a dreamlike atmosphere and muted hues.
- Camera used: SONY ILCE-7C
- Exposure time: 1/160 s
- Aperture: f/6.3
- Focal length: 103mm
- ISO: 320
- Date taken: Oct 7, 2026 05:46:14
A captivating cold morning in the Emli Valley. The "Red Mountains" - as the name Aladağlar can be translated - largely conceal their color beneath a fresh blanket of snow and glisten silvery against the clear sky. In the soft light, their majestic silhouette does not seem menacing at all; rather, it hovers over the valley and sparkles in bright hues alongside the clear sky.
The Silvery Aladağlar
A captivating cold morning in the Emli Valley. The "Red Mountains" - as the name Aladağlar can be translated - largely conceal their color beneath a fresh blanket of snow and glisten silvery against the clear sky. In the soft light, their majestic silhouette does not seem menacing at all; rather, it hovers over the valley and sparkles in bright hues alongside the clear sky.
- Camera used: SONY ILCE-7C
- Exposure time: 1/160 s
- Aperture: f/8.0
- Focal length: 26mm
- ISO: 100
- Date taken: Oct 7, 2026 07:52:28
Together with the neighbouring Rose Valley, the Red Valley effectively marks the end of the central part of Cappadocia. At sunset, both valleys live up to their names, taking on stunning shades of orange and red, which fade into a magical purple as dusk falls. The rocky peaks then look like tempting sugar loaves.
Red valley
Together with the neighbouring Rose Valley, the Red Valley effectively marks the end of the central part of Cappadocia. At sunset, both valleys live up to their names, taking on stunning shades of orange and red, which fade into a magical purple as dusk falls. The rocky peaks then look like tempting sugar loaves.
- Camera used: SONY ILCE-7C
- Exposure time: 10/1 s
- Aperture: f/8.0
- Focal length: 21mm
- ISO: 100
- Date taken: Oct 5, 2026 17:33:29
As majestic as the pyramid rising from the desolate plateau may seem, it is in fact just one of the side hills of the otherwise much more complex Rainbow Mountains. After dusk, the wasteland reflects the colors of the darkening sky and the band of Venus in the east. At that moment, it’s worth bending down to the ground, to the cracked layer of dried mud that aptly complements the solitary peak in its remoteness.
Rainbow Peak
As majestic as the pyramid rising from the desolate plateau may seem, it is in fact just one of the side hills of the otherwise much more complex Rainbow Mountains. After dusk, the wasteland reflects the colors of the darkening sky and the band of Venus in the east. At that moment, it’s worth bending down to the ground, to the cracked layer of dried mud that aptly complements the solitary peak in its remoteness.
- Camera used: SONY ILCE-7C
- Exposure time: 32/10 s
- Aperture: f/11.0
- Focal length: 16mm
- ISO: 100
- Date taken: Oct 8, 2026 17:29:33
The canyons and hills located in a desolate and unknown landscape near Nallihan are ablaze with color. Thanks to minerals, the rocks here glow red, orange, or even white and, most notably, an unusual shade of green. Yet behind this extraordinary work of nature lie quite ordinary elements: iron, copper, lime, and chlorite. For a photographer, it’s a treasured paradise, still free of roads and people.
Nallihan rainbow mountains
The canyons and hills located in a desolate and unknown landscape near Nallihan are ablaze with color. Thanks to minerals, the rocks here glow red, orange, or even white and, most notably, an unusual shade of green. Yet behind this extraordinary work of nature lie quite ordinary elements: iron, copper, lime, and chlorite. For a photographer, it’s a treasured paradise, still free of roads and people.
- Camera used: SONY ILCE-7C
- Exposure time: 1/20 s
- Aperture: f/10.0
- Focal length: 28mm
- ISO: 100
- Date taken: Oct 9, 2026 06:04:25
The freshly snow-covered peaks of the Aladağlar Mountains awaken to a clear morning after a stormy night. The glow of the rising sun cuts through the crisp air like a knife through butter, first touching the highest parts of the mountains.
Antitaurus
The freshly snow-covered peaks of the Aladağlar Mountains awaken to a clear morning after a stormy night. The glow of the rising sun cuts through the crisp air like a knife through butter, first touching the highest parts of the mountains.
- Camera used: SONY ILCE-7C
- Exposure time: 1/250 s
- Aperture: f/6.3
- Focal length: 300mm
- ISO: 320
- Date taken: Oct 7, 2026 05:39:13
The Rose Valley is one of the most breathtaking corners of Cappadocia from a historical perspective. It is home to a multitude of churches carved into the rock, simple rock-cut dwellings, rock pigeon houses and rock beehives. Right in the centre of the photograph, an amazing columned church has been carved out of a block of greyish rock. However, the valley also possesses a unique charm when viewed from a distance and from above, when the soft light highlights its individual contours.
The Rose valley
The Rose Valley is one of the most breathtaking corners of Cappadocia from a historical perspective. It is home to a multitude of churches carved into the rock, simple rock-cut dwellings, rock pigeon houses and rock beehives. Right in the centre of the photograph, an amazing columned church has been carved out of a block of greyish rock. However, the valley also possesses a unique charm when viewed from a distance and from above, when the soft light highlights its individual contours.
- Camera used: SONY ILCE-7C
- Exposure time: 1/160 s
- Aperture: f/7.1
- Focal length: 56mm
- ISO: 100
- Date taken: Oct 5, 2026 16:06:16
The rock pillars in the region are nicknamed "peri bacalari", literally "fairytale chimneys". Arguably the most famous group of these rock monoliths is located in the Love valley. It may come as a surprise that grapes are grown right next to them, and finding an interesting foreground amongst the many footpaths isn’t exactly easy. Fortunately, we can also find rosettes of young mullein here.
Fairytale chimneys
The rock pillars in the region are nicknamed "peri bacalari", literally "fairytale chimneys". Arguably the most famous group of these rock monoliths is located in the Love valley. It may come as a surprise that grapes are grown right next to them, and finding an interesting foreground amongst the many footpaths isn’t exactly easy. Fortunately, we can also find rosettes of young mullein here.
- Camera used: SONY ILCE-7C
- Exposure time: 1/25 s
- Aperture: f/11.0
- Focal length: 16mm
- ISO: 100
- Date taken: Oct 8, 2026 06:18:50
In the central part of the rock cities of Cappadocia, you can wander for hours and still find new things to discover. Simple rock dwellings and caves alternate with smaller or quite large and ornate rock churches. And thanks to all sorts of vantage points that allow for natural framing of the shot, it’s possible to take decent photos, even when the light isn’t exactly cooperating.
Three sisters
In the central part of the rock cities of Cappadocia, you can wander for hours and still find new things to discover. Simple rock dwellings and caves alternate with smaller or quite large and ornate rock churches. And thanks to all sorts of vantage points that allow for natural framing of the shot, it’s possible to take decent photos, even when the light isn’t exactly cooperating.
- Camera used: SONY ILCE-7C
- Exposure time: 1/125 s
- Aperture: f/8.0
- Focal length: 16mm
- ISO: 100
- Date taken: Oct 6, 2026 08:50:07
It’s not hard to figure out why Cappadocia’s most famous valley is nicknamed “Love valley”. The shapes of the rock pillars found here are absolutely fantastic. Of course, they also make for a great photo subject. Since the pillars are located down in the valley, the evening sun illuminates only their tips for a long time, so it’s better to wait for the light after sunset.
Love valley
It’s not hard to figure out why Cappadocia’s most famous valley is nicknamed “Love valley”. The shapes of the rock pillars found here are absolutely fantastic. Of course, they also make for a great photo subject. Since the pillars are located down in the valley, the evening sun illuminates only their tips for a long time, so it’s better to wait for the light after sunset.
- Camera used: SONY ILCE-7C
- Exposure time: 1/3 s
- Aperture: f/8.0
- Focal length: 28mm
- ISO: 100
- Date taken: Oct 7, 2026 17:14:16
The rock pillars in the Görkundere Valley perhaps resemble spacecraft ready for launch. That is likely why this valley is nicknamed the “Rocket valley”. Somewhat surprisingly, it is one of the less-visited valleys in Cappadocia. Fortunately. The view of the rocks illuminated by the morning sun beneath the floating hot-air balloons perfectly captures the essence of the entire region.
Görkundere
The rock pillars in the Görkundere Valley perhaps resemble spacecraft ready for launch. That is likely why this valley is nicknamed the “Rocket valley”. Somewhat surprisingly, it is one of the less-visited valleys in Cappadocia. Fortunately. The view of the rocks illuminated by the morning sun beneath the floating hot-air balloons perfectly captures the essence of the entire region.
- Camera used: SONY ILCE-7C
- Exposure time: 1/20 s
- Aperture: f/10.0
- Focal length: 20mm
- ISO: 100
- Date taken: Oct 4, 2026 05:59:09
The landscape of Cappadocia is dominated by the unique rock castle of Uçhisar. Since it can be seen from virtually every corner of the region, it has become its natural landmark. The rock, riddled with holes like Swiss cheese, lights up with artificial illumination as evening falls and looks absolutely magical against the darkening sky. The impression is further enhanced by the distant call of the muezzins, which echoes from several mosques below the castle.
Blue hour over Uçhisar
The landscape of Cappadocia is dominated by the unique rock castle of Uçhisar. Since it can be seen from virtually every corner of the region, it has become its natural landmark. The rock, riddled with holes like Swiss cheese, lights up with artificial illumination as evening falls and looks absolutely magical against the darkening sky. The impression is further enhanced by the distant call of the muezzins, which echoes from several mosques below the castle.
- Camera used: SONY ILCE-7C
- Exposure time: 6/10 s
- Aperture: f/8.0
- Focal length: 54mm
- ISO: 100
- Date taken: Oct 4, 2026 17:39:41
Every morning, dozens to hundreds of hot-air balloons float above the fantastic landscape of Cappadocia. It’s an amazing sight from just about any vantage point in the area. But unknown and hard-to-reach spots like this viewpoint, from which you can take in most of the bizarrely shaped Pigeon Valley, add another dimension to the morning spectacle.
Pigeon valley
Every morning, dozens to hundreds of hot-air balloons float above the fantastic landscape of Cappadocia. It’s an amazing sight from just about any vantage point in the area. But unknown and hard-to-reach spots like this viewpoint, from which you can take in most of the bizarrely shaped Pigeon Valley, add another dimension to the morning spectacle.
- Camera used: SONY ILCE-7C
- Exposure time: 1/60 s
- Aperture: f/8.0
- Focal length: 50mm
- ISO: 100
- Date taken: Oct 5, 2026 05:58:19