We welcome dear Patrick Hubert in Konya! Huuuuu

It is such a joy to have so many hikers on their way to Jerusalem, passing the Anatolian Plaines. You can relive his hiking adventure on before and beyond the Sufi Trail on his amazing digital diary's movies, blogs, and socials Patrick is a busy bee after his hiking day, and also it's still going strong! Konya is not the end…

@patrick.hubert.sur.les.chemins
Patrick Hubert
St Martin, de Rezé à l'Isère - Mont St Michel - Santiago de Nantes et de Malaga - VF de Calais à Sta Maria Di Leuca - Jérusalem de Roma à Istanbul & Konya

Lovely ride today from Aksehir to Bolvadin (79km), following the Sufi Trail in reverse, through more fabulous countryside. Sometimes doing 30+kph along fast dual carriageway, sometimes bumping along gravel tracks.
Pic 1 needs explanation: When in need of a loo in Turkey, you can always rely on a mosque. This one was, er, basic but the leaky water pipe gave me a lovely cool shower (ie soaking) at the same time.
Tried to buy some fresh strawberries from a woman sorting them but, typically of Turkey, she gave us some and refused any money.
Waved down by a farmer on his çai break, offering çai for us, and shared our baklava.
Coffee break in Sultandagi under the leafy shade.
The Kirkgöz Bridge was built by the Romans over the River Kaystros. The river has moved over time, so it now spans dry land.
Oh and a sneaky pic of a Renault 12. More of that later
#turkeyon2wheels
#turkeycycling
#turkey

Durmuş Çinar one very special stop in Uludere. The organic farm is in this idillic landscape.

As I step onto the lovely organic farm in Uludere, I am immediately enveloped in a sense of tranquillity and harmony with nature. The air is filled with the earthy fragrance of freshly turned soil and the sweet aroma of blooming flowers, creating a symphony of scents that invigorate the senses. The hospitable people of Uludere welcome me with open arms, their warm smiles and genuine kindness making me feel like a part of their close-knit community from the very first moment.

The organic farming practices here are a testament to the dedication and passion of the people who tend to the land. From the meticulous care given to each plant to the sustainable methods used to nurture the soil, every aspect of farming is done with a deep respect for the environment and a commitment to producing high-quality, nutritious produce. Walking through the fields, I witness the vibrant greens of leafy vegetables, the rich hues of ripe fruits, and the delicate petals of colorful flowers that sway in the gentle breeze.

Surrounded by such natural beauty, I can't help but marvel at the contrast between this serene rural lifestyle and the hustle and bustle of city living. The slower pace of life on the farm allows me to reconnect with the rhythms of nature, savoring each moment and appreciating the simple joys that come with living in harmony with the land. Unlike the stress and pollution of urban areas, the clean air and peaceful surroundings of Uludere offer a rejuvenating escape that nourishes not only my body but also my soul.

In this idyllic setting, I find myself embracing a healthier lifestyle that extends beyond just the food I eat. The daily physical activity involved in farm work, the abundance of fresh, organic produce at my fingertips, and the strong sense of community and support from the locals all contribute to a sense of well-being that is unparalleled. Here, I am reminded of the essential connection between humans and nature, and how living in harmony with the earth can lead to a more fulfilling and balanced life.

As the sun sets over the rolling hills of Uludere, casting a warm glow over the farm and its welcoming inhabitants, I am filled with gratitude for this immersive experience that has not only enriched my understanding of sustainable living but also touched my heart in ways I never imagined. The lovely organic farm in Uludere is not just a place; it is a testament to the beauty of simplicity, the power of community, and the transformative impact of embracing a healthier, more natural way of life.

You are in the right place if there is no internet reach.

On a bright, sunny winter day on December 16, 2023, the 3D Sufi was born on Rob Polko's drawing table and on the same day Rob already made test prints and the next Tuesday we met he took the 3D printed Sufi to the office. It was the first trip of the 3D Sufi, they have now flown to several countries, including Turkey, Switzerland, Austria, Belgium, and England.
We were so happy, excited, and honoured by Rob's beautiful design that we immediately decided to purchase a 3D printer. Supposedly done in no time, but after receiving the 3D printer we had to learn to work with the new technology, fortunately with Rob's help we were able to start quickly.
With some mistakes, we have now created 70 3D Sufis that have found their way to donors, friends, and family. Some 3D Sufis join us on the walking caravan to get home to our friends on the route from Istanbul to Konya.
Now we have a design, 3D printer and enough filament to print 3D Sufis, but how can we give this Sufi realization even more substance. Would you like to think with us about how and what the journey of this new Sufi life will be? If you have any ideas, please send your idea to us to see if we can realize it together.

Miraculously, the date is getting closer and the desire to walk in blossoming Turkey bubbles up like Turkish tea. You can already feel the delicious zip of the Turkish tea glass on your upper lip. However, we still have some great things to experience on our own soil. The Three Sources Pilgrim Route is an excellent place to meet each other before departure and enjoy the anticipation. Spring is here, too, and we enjoy the beautiful colours of the bulb fields along the route. After the Oesdom, when we have just received our hug, coffee and special stamp from Nellie and Leo, the tulip splendour begins after the tunnel. The colours of the fields change quickly, which is a surprise every week, and the time that the head is still on the stem is quite short. Often the next week, the head is already in the path next to it. But luckily, the artists among us had immortalized all the flowers and walking moments. Danny de Gooyer, a well-known city photographer from Haarlem, also went to Turkey this year, and we enjoyed his perspective and his artistic view of the walk. He also made a beautiful film, because Danny is not only a photographer.
It is wonderful to walk together to the departure date, while enjoying the colours and scents of the flowers. And of course the rainbow that regularly surprises us with the fresh wind and showers. We are ready for the walking caravan! And what will the weather forecast be like inside us? We get a foretaste of Karin and Ishmael, who will highlight the more spiritual side of walking.

Due to the many positive reactions, we can already confirm that the hiking caravan for 2024 is full. You can still join next year, but also this will be the last time the hiking caravan runs. After 2025 we hope that the Sufi Trail is established and well-marked for individual hikers or groups. We of course will keep the trail in maintenance and update the guidebooks.

The dates for 2025 
2nd of May till 12th of June

Would you also like to take a walk or experience the entire 40-day feeling (or part of the Sufi Trail) along the way? Then sign up.

It still seems far away, but before you know it, the seasons will fly by. The date is known, so you can consider whether it fits into your agenda. Check the website for details and last year's experiences.

For the cycling caravan 2024, there are no spots left and for the next year, you can book online.

Note that 2025 is also the last change to join this event. The cycling groups are set to a limit of 12 persons.

Further to Mecca,

From Europe, our sister hiking and cycling organization Sultans Trail gives you an excellent connection from Vienna, Austria to Istanbul in Türkiye. You follow the traces of the Romans, Ottomans and local heroes.

From Istanbul to Konya you hike and cycle on quite well-marked paths of the Sufi Trail. Sufi Trail guardians help you on your pilgrimage to Rumi.

From Konya on, you follow the Mecca trail to the Syrian border, we have a GPX for Jordan and a route towards Mecca. We hope to develop this in due time.

Going to Asia, you can try the lesser-developed Rumi Trail. We have a cycled GPX in Türkiye from Kilis towards Konya.

Volunteers of these trails are happy to assist you where possible with your preparations.