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Beyond Istanbul: Why Eastern Turkey Will Be the Ultimate Travel Trend of 2026

When it feels like the world has been explored from end to end, and tourist routes have become a conveyor belt, it’s time to look East. To the place where the snow-capped peaks of Ararat give way to the sun-scorched plains of Mesopotamia.


Eastern Turkey isn’t about "all-inclusive" hotels. It’s about the dust of centuries on your boots, the taste of strong coffee in Assyrian courtyards, and the silence of gods on mountain summits. This is the cradle of civilization, and here is why you need to be there.


Göbekli Tepe: The Starting Point of Your Eastern Turkey Tour


Gopekli Tepe, the world's oldest sanctuary, located in the Turkey's East, Mesopotamia
READ MORE ABOUT GÖBEKLI TEPE ❯

Imagine a place that is 7,000 years older than the Egyptian pyramids. Göbekli Tepe (Potbelly Hill) has overturned everything scientists thought they knew about history. Here, at a time when humanity had not yet mastered agriculture or writing, people were already erecting giant T-shaped pillars decorated with intricate carvings of foxes, scorpions, and lions.


Standing in the center of this temple complex means physically feeling the scale of time. This is not just a site for sightseeing; it is a place for reflecting on where our collective journey began.



Mardin: A Living Fairytale in Upper Mesopotamia


Mardin is a living fairy tale frozen in honey-colored limestone. The city cascades down the hillside, offering a view of the vast Mesopotamian plains stretching toward Syria. Navigators don't work here. In the labyrinths of the Old City, the only true way is to follow the ringing of Assyrian church bells or the scent of freshly baked bread. In Mardin, communities still speak Aramaic—the language spoken by the world two thousand years ago.


ORIENTO Insight: Be sure to visit the workshops of local silver smiths. The "Telkari" technique (exquisite filigree made of thin silver wire) is an art form passed down here from generation to generation.


Mount Nemrut: The Throne of Forgotten Gods


At an altitude of 2,150 meters, on the very summit of the mountain, stand silent sentinels—giant stone heads of gods and kings. This sanctuary was built by King Antiochus I as a bridge between heaven and earth.


The most powerful moment of the journey is sunset on Nemrut Dağ. As the shadows from the eight-meter statues lengthen and the sky turns a deep orange, the boundary between reality and myth dissolves. It is a place of power that is impossible to forget.



The Flavors of Gaziantep: A Culinary Journey Beyond the Ordinary


If Turkey is a foodie's paradise, its East is the holy of holies. Gaziantep is officially recognized by UNESCO as a City of Gastronomy, and it justifies this title with every bite.


Turkish Sweets and Eastern Oriental Mirra Coffee

  • Beyran: A spicy, rich soup with lamb and rice, traditionally eaten for breakfast.

  • Pistachio Baklava: The world's best pistachios (Antep fıstığı) grow here, making the baklava emerald green and incredibly delicate.

  • Mırra Coffee: A thick, bitter drink brewed for hours and served in tiny cups.


Why a Guided Tour of Eastern Turkey is the Best Way to Travel


Eastern Turkey is changing rapidly. Every year more people visit, yet the region still retains its primordial sincerity. Here, you are not a "client"; you are a guest (misafir), and this hospitality is felt in every glass of tea offered to you.


A journey to Mesopotamia is a challenge to yourself and your perception of the world. It is a route for those seeking meaning, not just beautiful photo locations.


Are you ready to see the cradle of civilization with your own eyes?

At ORIENTO, we have designed an itinerary that weaves these points into one seamless immersion. No rushed excursions—only deep exploration, authentic boutique hotels, and trusted local guides.





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