I just returned from Cappadocia, Türkiye and it was truly one of the most amazing trips of the year. I finally picked up my camera again and captured some of my favorite images so far.
Cappadocia is world-famous for its hot air balloons, magnificent horses, and otherworldly landscapes. Each morning, around 150 balloons gracefully lift off into the sky. Unlike most of Europe, where ballooning is limited to a brief 60-day season, Cappadocia enjoys almost year-round flying conditions, with an impressive 250 flight days annually. In total, about 2,000 people soar above this breathtaking region every day — more than half a million each year!
The name “Cappadocia” is believed to derive from the ancient Hittite word Katpatuka, often translated as the “Land of Beautiful Horses.” Historical records show that Cappadocia’s horses were once prized gifts and tributes to Assyrian and Persian monarchs. During the Persian Empire, horses from this region were even accepted as a form of taxation.
The Yılkı wild horses (the first image above) have roamed the Anatolian plains for over a thousand years. For centuries, these once-wild horses were domesticated for agriculture and transport, forming an essential part of life in this vast region.
Today, horses remain deeply respected by the local people and continue to play a vital role in Cappadocia’s thriving tourism industry.
The drone image of the Yılkı horses above is perhaps my favorite photograph of the year. Capturing these magnificent animals from the air is no easy feat — it demands quick reflexes, precise drone control, and perfect timing to frame the horses in motion at just the right moment and angle. Practice makes perfect!
To see more of my images from Cappadocia last year, please download my eBook at: https://kahwailin.com/books/
Join us in the Cappadocia Photo Workshop next year. For more information, please visit: https://kahwailin.com/cappadocia-2026/
