11/04/2023
Assalamualaikum warahmatullah wabarakatuh. Hi and hello to everyone. Before we know it, we've already entered the last third of the holy month of Ramadhan. How time really flies. Soon, it will be the fall of the curtain for the blessed Ramadhan this year. May Allah accept all our deeds that were done for His sake, InsyaAllah.
Our first Turkish trip last year (one of several post Covid-19 trips we had and would share later) went on without a hitch and again we would like to thank all of our 30 odd Freshtrippers who made it happen. 12 days of witnessing the wonders and charms of the bicontinental nation left us feeling eager to discover even more of what Turkey (or Turkiye, as the country wishes to be known now) has to offer. For that purpose, we've actually scheduled another Turkish trip in May this year, the itinerary of which covers several new cities. But alas, it has been written that a terrible earthquake would strike Turkiye on the 6th of February this year, the magnitude of which measured as among one of the most devastating to ever occur in the Anatolian region. With the death toll numbering almost 58000 across Turkiye and neighbouring Syria, this was truly one of the most serious humanitarian crises in recent years. Our supposed Turkish trip was to include some cities that unfortunately, turn out to lie within the earthquake zone: Sanliurfa and Gaziantep are two examples. With many affected cities taking a significant amount of time to rebuild themselves, we felt that it would only be appropriate to put aside our scheduled trip for the time being. It would be better (and more rewarding) to see more of Turkiye when the wounds have somewhat healed.
While Turkiye slowly gets back on its feet, a previously often overlooked travel region has been quietly making it mark. Particularly blessed with beautiful landscapes, the Balkan region has actually for some time, been attracting a significant amount of travellers. Much like Turkiye itself which lies just east, the countries making up the region are also steeped in history, with many old structures, either still serving its purpose or now lying in ruins, offering a glimpse of its past. In fact, much of the Balkan was a part of the Ottoman empire, the predecessor of the modern Turkish state, and that resulted in the widespread existence of traces of Ottoman influence, most notably its mosques and bazaars, among others. While a major part of the region was embroiled in the early to mid-90s Balkan wars, which saw the worst atrocities being committed in Europe since the Second World War, the Balkan region has since risen from the ashes, putting its bloody past behind. These days, natural beautiful landscapes, historic buildings, well-preserved or reconstructed structures from the war era all combine to define the region as a truly rewarding travel destination.
So, are you ready to see the beautiful Lake Plitvice in Croatia, learn more about the harrowing Balkan war in Bosnia and Herzegovina and admire the charm of Kotor Bay in Montenegro? If you are ready to experience those and of course more, then why not call or Whatsapp us at 012 2340224 or 018 3225224 to learn more about the Balkan getaway which will take place from 22 May 2023 to 6 June 2023. Two weeks in the beautiful Balkan may just turn out to be one of your best ever!
So until next time, take care and stay tuned everyone!
[Al Haneenah Freshtrips - Where Next?]
