Afyonkarahisar brings together some of Turkey’s most distinctive travel experiences, from hot air balloon flights over ancient Phrygian rock carvings to thermal waters and a food culture shaped by poppy seeds.
The journey begins in the Phrygian Valley, a landscape where communities carved monuments, tombs and other structures into the rock more than 3,000 years ago. Seen from above, the valley takes on a different character. Hot air balloons rise over the rugged landscape, offering a view of the ancient carvings and surrounding countryside from the air.
Balloon pilot Kemal Eryılmaz describes the landscape as a place that could be compared with Cappadocia, but with its own character. “We could call this place Green Cappadocia,” he says, pointing to the landscape below.
The area’s history is not limited to what can be seen from the sky. Afyonkarahisar is also known for its thermal waters, which have attracted visitors for centuries. The region’s springs are associated with a tradition of thermal bathing that dates back to around 1200 BC and has helped give Afyonkarahisar its reputation as a healing destination.
At Grand Özgül Termal, Hakan Siyah points to the mineral content of the water, describing it as particularly rich in sulphur, calcium, magnesium and iron. Thermal tourism remains an important part of the region’s identity, linking modern visitors with a practice that has deep roots in its history.
Food provides another way into Afyonkarahisar’s local culture. In the village of Ayazini, poppy seeds remain an important part of the regional cuisine, appearing in dishes that have been passed from one generation to the next.
Chef Meryem Açıkgöz prepares katmer by hand, working the dough before adding the traditional filling. For her, the dish is more than a local speciality. “This belongs to the Afyon region, passed down from our ancestors,” she says.
That connection between landscape, history and food is what gives Afyonkarahisar its character. The ancient remains of the Phrygian Valley tell one part of the story, while the thermal springs and kitchens of the region reveal traditions that are still part of everyday life.
For travellers, the experience can move from the quiet of a balloon flight above ancient rock formations to the warmth of a thermal bath and then to a table where regional dishes are prepared using recipes handed down through generations. Afyonkarahisar offers these experiences without separating its past from its present, making the region a place where history can be seen in the landscape, felt in the water and tasted in its food.
