Drive from Uçhisar to Konya on National Sovereignty & Children's Day 3 memorable stops

April 23, 2026

Today is National Sovereignty and Children's Day (Turkish: Ulusal Egemenlik ve Çocuk Bayramı) is a public holiday in Turkey commemorating the foundation of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey, on 23 April 1920. It is also observed by Northern Cyprus. Events at schools take place across Turkey on Children's Day.

First stop, Zelve Valley; Nice and realized we’re done with rock/chimney fairy dwelling. More wildflowers with the rain! Column church, Holy Cross Church

Drive: cities have symbols such as horses which were common and really well done, dog was too, and a shamrock! Impressive mountain, breathtaking, many many photos! Jackdaw crow like social smart bird.

Sultanihani Caravanserai was awesome. Very Yelahanka like village/city and terrific museum inside. Old rugs on display of remarkable quality.

Çatalhöyük, Antatolia region, Turkey. https://www.grayhairedglobetrotter.com/2026/04/catalhoyuk-antatolia-region-turkey-9000.html

Zelve Open Air Museum is new and I had it as a hike on AllTrails. Our last stop in Cappadocia region

Some sights from the car our drive -- thanks John so I could photograph

Had John stop the car because these birds caught my attention first by their density of nests in one tree and then they were so curious on the ground, I learned they are jackdaws. Known to be smart and social birds.

Next stop Sultanihani Caravanserai. This was our 3rd Silk Road caravan stop in Turkey. Each offered something different. This was a more rugged town and was delighted see the quality of the museum created within.