Take A Ride On The Mesopotamia Express Through The Culture Of Türkiye

Türkiye has launched the new Mesopotamia Express to take travelers around the country’s cultural treasures. Its promotional tour kicked off on April 7, heading across the eastern and southeastern Anatolian regions of Türkiye. Meanwhile, the train left Ankara and made stops at Kayseri, Malatya, Elazığ and Diyarbakır. Passengers enjoyed the beautiful scenery while visiting historical places. Moreover, they had the chance to purchase local products, while tasting the best local delicacies.

Türkiye launches the Mesopotamia Express

The promotional journey took place before the first official journey of the tourist train, scheduled for April 19. This new rail service will offer travelers cultural experiences on the train line from Ankara to Diyarbakır.

Mehmet Kaya, President of the Diyarbakir Chamber of Commerce and Industry said in a press release:

More than a million tourists contribute significantly to both our tradespeople and our city every year. With this train, the beauties of our country will be seen from Ankara to Diyarbakır, contributing to the cities it stops at.

Kaya noted the significance of tourism as one of the city’s strongest assets, stressing the great advantage of the Mesopotamia Express in the promotion of the city of Diyarbakir.

“It is crucial for developing tourism in our city and region,” Kaya added. “We have made every effort to ensure people see and get to know the region. It will be a crucial tool for people to see and get to know the culture.”

Visit Kayseri, the historic capital of Cappadocia

Among the destinations travelers can visit on the Mesopotamia Express is Kayseri, the historic capital of the wonderful Cappadocia. Originally dubbed Caesarea, the town has been the historic capital of Cappadocia since ancient times.

Meanwhile, Kayseri nestles at the foot of Mount Erciyes, a dormant volcano. Moreover, the city hosts several historical monuments, especially from the Seljuk period. Here, visitors can see the 13th-century Hunat Hatun Islamic complex, commissioned by Sultan Alâadin Keykubad’s wife Hunat Hatun.

Passengers will also get the chance to visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Arslantepe Mound, located near the city of Malatya. The mound features several palaces, temples and mural paintings dating back to 3000 BC.

About the Mesopotamia Express in Türkiye

The Mesopotamia Express offers nine sleeping cars and a dining carriage, each capable of transporting 180 passengers. Two-person sleeping compartments cost TL 9,000 ($288) for the outbound journey and TL 8,000 ($245) for the return journey.

Meanwhile, the two-person cabins have seats that can be turned into beds for overnight travel. They are equipped with all the necessary amenities for travelers, including a fridge, a sink, a wardrobe, light and heating.

Guests will enjoy a peaceful journey through stunning natural landscapes while making three-hour stops in Kayseri and Malatya. Moreover, guests will enjoy a four-hour stop in Elazığ, with time to tour the city.

Find out more about the various stops of the Mesopotamia Express at the Visit Istanbul website here.