I was happy to spend a year and a half living in a small town on the coast of the Sea of Marmara in Türkiye. It was fascinating to observe the daily life of people, their routines, character, and habits depending on the time of the day and the season.
I loved watching the town come alive each morning: the call to prayer echoing above the sea and through the streets, the lively voices of vendors at the market trying to outcall one another, the careful selection of the freshest fruits, vegetables, and fish. Men gathered in cafés — chatting, smoking, drinking tea, playing backgammon, watching football. Women preparing traditional Turkish dishes. The scent of warm bread and the crunch of simit from the nearby bakery. One of the most memorable experiences was celebrating Ramazan — when the town wakes before dawn to the sound of drums, calling everyone to suhoor (the pre-dawn meal) before the first prayer of the day. In the evening, people gather for iftar (the evening meal), sitting shoulder to shoulder at a long table in the town square. They talk, share stories, and linger together late into the night.
As I traveled through different cities and provinces, each place — from the smallest village to the largest city — offered something uniquely special. I was especially moved by the architecture and art of the Ottoman Empire, which left a deep impression on me with its elegance, complexity, and beauty. But more than anything, I was touched by the boundless kindness, generosity, and warmth of the people I met.
All these impressions have settled deeply in my heart and will stay with me for a lifetime. I hope to continue my journey through Türkiye — sketching, wandering, and discovering new places along the way.
This sketchbook holds drawings and memories from January 2023 to April 2024.
