Discover the Doğu Ekspresi: A Trendy Train Journey in Turkey
A 24-hour train journey to the remote, snow-covered eastern reaches of Turkey has become a highly sought-after experience among young Turkish travelers, eager to follow the enticing footprints of their peers.
The Allure of the Doğu Ekspresi
Social media is significantly driving interest in the 1365-kilometre ‘Doğu Ekspresi’ (Eastern Express) route, which connects the Turkish capital, Ankara, to the border city of Kars. Recent reports indicate that tickets sell out days in advance, reflecting the overwhelming popularity, while hotels in Kars reach full occupancy.
Who is Riding the Train?
Since the beginning of the year, approximately 20,000 students, photographers, bloggers, hikers, and various travelers have embarked on this iconic train trip to Kars. This area, once a Russian outpost, serves as the main gateway to the UNESCO-listed ruins of Ani. To accommodate the burgeoning demand, the Turkish State Railways has added extra wagons, while media outlets frequently highlight the trend, presenting the Eastern Express as the go-to domestic travel route among the youth.
Capturing the Moment
Travelers are keen to document their experiences. Academic Nagihan Haliloğlu described the excitement on board: “Everybody was filming and taking pictures was the norm. Even to capture a picture of the iconic ‘Doğu Ekspresi’ sign, I found a queue of ten people waiting to pose beside it.” Photographs capturing fashionably dressed passengers reveling in the stunning snowy landscapes are particularly trendy, as are group selfies taken in the train’s narrow corridors.
The Cultural Impact
Author Kaan Murat Yanık notes that a wave of photographs showcasing the Doğu Ekspresi has emerged from readers of his book, “Uzakların Şarkısı” (Song of the Faraway), which is partially set on this train ride to Kars. He finds the vibrant mix of local life and unique atmospheric elements—a blend of coffee shops, markets, students, and the distinctive scents of the city—highly captivating.
A New Trend Among Travelers
The frenzy surrounding this train trip has inspired humorous parodies in media outlets. A satirical publication playfully claimed a bus service has emerged as competition to the Eastern Express—highlighting a much longer, and potentially more challenging, alternative journey from Istanbul to Hakkari.
Unforgettable Scenery
Even skeptics of the hype can find themselves entranced by the breathtaking views along the route. As Haliloğlu remarked, “The joys of the experience must have outweighed the discomfort.” This has led many to contemplate other long-distance train journeys, exploring the hidden gems within Turkey’s diverse Anatolian landscape.
In conclusion, the Doğu Ekspresi not only represents a memorable travel experience but also reflects a broader cultural movement among young travelers in Turkey, characterized by exploration, social sharing, and a love for scenic adventures.
