Published on October 5, 2025
The city of Erzurum in eastern Türkiye welcomed an eye-catching convoy of twenty-eight vintage cars that set out from Belgium and toured Azerbaijan and Georgia before arriving at the iconic Twin Minarets Madrasa. The six-day itinerary, organized with support from Erzurum Metropolitan Municipality and led by Jules Verne Tourism, introduces a specialized tourism trend centered around classic automobiles and historic landscapes, drawing strong local and tourist interest alike.

Beginning at the Twin Minarets Madrasa

Participants in the convoy parked their classic vehicles in front of Erzurum’s Çifte Minareli Medrese (Twin Minarets Madrasa), a celebrated thirteenth-century Seljuk-era site and a major draw for cultural tourism. Residents and visitors seized the chance to interact with drivers, inspect the vintage models, with the oldest car dating from 1928, and attend a warm welcome marked by local folk-dance performances. The sight of automotive history set against medieval architecture created a vivid spectacle, reinforcing Erzurum’s reputation as an open-air museum and a center for cultural preservation.

Six-Day Route Showcases Eastern Türkiye’s Diversity

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The Belgian convoy’s program in Türkiye highlights a carefully curated itinerary that diverges from the country’s traditional tourist routes. Over six days, participants will explore:

• Bayburt Baksi Museum: Modern art and traditional crafts in a rural Anatolian setting.
• Erzincan: A stop with deep-rooted heritage on the ancient Silk Road.
• Kemaliye: Known for its scenic canyons and historical architecture.
• Malatya: Celebrated for stone fruits, Ottoman-era architecture, and culinary traditions.
• Nemrut: Site of the famed Mount Nemrut, home to mysterious stone gods and sunrise panoramas.
• Sanliurfa, Gobeklitepe: Often called the cradle of civilization, with world-renowned archaeological discoveries.
• Gaziantep: UNESCO-recognized gastronomy and renowned market culture.
• Adana: A southern city famous for its rich food scene and historic stone bridge.

Heritage and Identity: Promoting Unique Turkish Experiences

City officials, including the Erzurum Metropolitan Municipality, emphasized that events like the vintage car convoy foster national identity, promote urban heritage, and present local cultural values to global audiences. Erzurum’s historical landmarks, such as the Uc Kumbetler (“Three Cupolas”) and ancient city walls, received special attention, with officials providing background to participants on the importance of preserving the city’s distinctive architectural fabric.

Niche Travel and Growing Tourism Innovation

Jules Verne Tourism’s general manager detailed that the participants predominantly hail from Belgium, but also include travelers from the United States and Spain. This group previously toured Western Anatolia, visiting Istanbul, Izmir, Canakkale, and Cappadocia. Their positive experiences with hospitality, accommodations, and Turkey’s world-class cuisine motivated a return, this time focusing on Eastern and Southeastern Anatolia.
Organizers and officials hope that the success of such niche, specialized tours will encourage the growth of customized tourism segments. Events like these expand the narrative of Turkish tourism beyond classic hotspots, attracting international visitors to lesser-known but culturally, historically, and scenically rich regions.

Looking Beyond Well-Worn Paths

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Participants expressed excitement at beginning their Turkish experience in Erzurum rather than following more familiar Aegean or Mediterranean routes. The decision to traverse the country’s less-traveled east highlights a growing appetite among global tourists for new cultural encounters, deeper historical immersion, and more authentic local exchanges.
Throughout the tour, daily schedules feature tightly packed exploration agendas, balancing fast-paced discovery with the opportunity to connect at each stop with local residents, culinary delights, and unique landscapes.

Impact on Turkish Tourism: Heritage, Community, and International Appeal

This classic car journey exemplifies how international collaboration and innovative itinerary planning can spotlight Turkey’s regional treasures, extending tourism’s economic and cultural benefits outside flagship cities. As more specialized groups follow in the convoy’s path, foundations are laid for sustainable, heritage-focused tourism that supports both preservation and economic growth in places like Erzurum, Bayburt, and Nemrut.

Turkish Culture Through New Lenses

By combining automotive history, architectural wonders, and local hospitality, the Belgian vintage car convoy in Türkiye offers a vivid, rolling celebration of shared passions across borders. As the tour continues westward from Erzurum, it serves as a model for how unique travel experiences can bridge cultures, promote understanding, and bring fresh visibility to Türkiye’s extraordinary destinations.

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Tags: Belgian convoy Turkey, classic car tourism Turkey, Erzurum vintage car tour, Turkish cultural travel 2025

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Sunday, October 5, 2025
Sunday, October 5, 2025
Sunday, October 5, 2025
Sunday, October 5, 2025
Sunday, October 5, 2025
Sunday, October 5, 2025
Sunday, October 5, 2025
Sunday, October 5, 2025

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