Written by Black Akinci
ANKARA, May 22 (Xinhua) — In late April, a new tourist rail service, the Mesopotamian Express, embarked on its maiden journey from Turkey's capital Ankara to the eastern province of Diyarbakir.
The express service marks the latest expansion of Turkiye's rail services, which have seen significant growth over the past decade in an effort to diversify Turkiye's tourism industry, a key driver of the national economy.
Scenic train travel has emerged as a trending option for domestic and international tourists who want to discover the historic sites of Türkiye.
Mesopotamia Express is designed to offer travelers an immersive journey through the country's diverse landscapes and rich history, extending into ancient Mesopotamia, now considered the cradle of civilization .
The 1,051-kilometre journey includes three stops where travelers can sample local cuisine and explore the ruins of southeastern Anatolia.
According to a report in Daily Sabah, Diyarbakir Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chairman Mehmet Kaya emphasized the significance of this new route for the development of tourism in the region.
This new train service comes at a time when the touristic Eastern Express is growing in popularity. This high-speed route connects Ankara with the historic city of Kars, located near the Georgian-Armenian border.
Almira Aygen, a university student from Ankara, embarked on a 30-hour journey on the Eastern Express in February with a few friends.
“We were very excited because tickets for this ride were hard to come by, but with the help of our travel agent we were finally able to get tickets,” she said. .
Aygen said the train traveled 1,300 kilometers east from Turkey's capital, enjoying the scenery all the way to the snow-covered border.
“This rail route has become a trend in recent years, especially among the younger generation who want to discover parts of their country they haven't explored before,” said travel vlogger Ender Sengkan.
He said that while Turkiye may not be widely considered as a top rail destination, new rail lines are attracting the attention of social media users and tickets for these lines are often difficult to obtain. Ta.
“Economical and comfortable transport services allow you to explore the historical and natural wonders of Anatolia.In recent years, the Eastern Express has become popular among travelers and art lovers looking for a variety of vacation options. ”Abdelkadir Uraloglu, Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, said in a statement in December 2023.
“The options for rail tourism will gradually increase,” he said, underscoring the strong resurgence of rail travel around the world. ■
