ou start by inhaling the cool air at the foot of Duzdağ and, with your first step, enter the subterranean serenity redolent of salt. The crystalline texture of the cave refracts light differently, and layers on the walls seem to be a silent story that has been going on for thousands of years. Here, time is slower, and your attention is focused only on the present moment.
Time spent in the salt chambers of this cave creates a feeling of lightness, especially in one’s breathing. The salty air, the silence, and the dimly lit atmosphere create a feeling of relaxation in the body and a calming mind. This section offers a relaxing experience that will nourish your curiosity and feed your spirit.
The second route goes to Ashab-ı Kehf, the place of Ashab-ı Kehf, home to the story of the “Seven Sleepers,” a place that symbolizes the common memory of various faiths. Your guide relates the theme of waking from sleep to patience and hope, and you gain further insight into the symbolic meaning of the area you are in. This is not only a historic stop but also a place that invites reflection.
While strolling down the pathways, you’ll feel the coolness of the stone in your hands and the softness of the breeze in your ears. As the day wears on, with its stretching shadows, the surrounding details become more apparent; during brief breaks, the smooth rhythm of the landscape almost slows your heartbeat. During this trip, you will shoot not only photographs but also feel that you record the moment from within.
Your stay at Duzdağ Hotel continues in thermal comfort. The relaxing effects of the hot water, the spacious rooms, and the meals prepared with local flavors wash off the day’s fatigue. Relaxation deepens with Turkish bath and sauna rituals in the spa, while the flow of time slows down in the quiet relaxation areas. When you lift your head up to the sky in this spot with low light pollution, the clear lines of the Milky Way present a simple yet impressive celestial experience.
Your next stop will be the Nehram Imamzadeh Mausoleum. Its elegant stone carvings, architectural details, and the overall serenity of the place evoke a sense of quietness within. The detailed work on the building enables you to get connected with the past respectfully. At the end of the program, while going back to the city center, you take back with you not just the places visited but also a fresh breath and a softened inner world.
