Sufi Trail September 2025

🗞 Sufi Trail Newsletter Highlights

🚴‍♂️ Davide Travelli: A Global Rider Meets the Sufi Path Again
Pedaling Through Spiritual Landscapes
World cyclist Davide returns to the Sufi Trail, capturing the spirit of the journey in motion.

📍 Starting Point Returns: Back in Eyüp at Last
Where the Sufi Trail Begins Anew
Eyüp, Istanbul is once again the official and spiritual start of the trail.

💬 Sufi Trail Community on Facebook
Connect, Share, and Walk Together Online
Join fellow walkers and cyclists, exchange stories, ask questions, and stay inspired on our active Facebook group.
👉 Join here

🎥 Beyza’s Documentary: RAH
A 40-Day Journey from Istanbul to Konya
Follow one man’s transformation and a group's shared path in this moving film project.

📷 Engin Ertan: Artist on the Way
Where Stories Start and Images Fade
A quiet observer and soulful photographer, Engin shares his journey—one encounter, one portrait at a time.

🧭 A New Adventure Begins – East Turkey Awaits!
Exploring Untouched Paths with Heart and Curiosity
Eight friends set off on a pioneering trip through Eastern Turkey, discovering hidden beauty along the way.

🎨 Circles of Grief – Art That Touches the Soul
A Photo Project by Joke, Rich in Emotion and Meaning
Joke Buringa transforms personal grief into powerful visual storytelling in this deeply moving art series.

🥾Registration has started for hiking caravan 2026

Online versie

Welcome dear

🌿 Enjoy the Sufi Trail September hihglights 😍

As the seasons shift and the trail stretches under golden skies, we gather the stories, moments, and milestones that shape our shared journey. Whether you walk, cycle, photograph, or simply follow along in spirit, this newsletter brings together voices from the path—from Istanbul’s sacred beginnings to the far reaches of Konya and beyond.

In this edition, meet familiar faces returning to the trail, artists who see with their hearts, and new companions setting off into the unknown. You'll find cinematic journeys, soulful images, and a thriving community that continues to grow—both online and on the road.

Come walk with us—step by step, story by story.

Love,
Sufi Trail team ❤

Davide Travelli: A Global Rider Returns to the Sufi Trail

Pedalling Through Spiritual Landscapes Once More
World cyclist Davide Travelli reconnects with the Sufi Trail, tracing both the physical path and its deeper meaning.

A Global Rider Meets the Sufi Path
Davide Travelli is no stranger to adventure: a world cyclist and bikepacker whose wheels have traced the contours of continents. In 2021, he turned his gaze toward Turkey's mystical Sufi Trail, the ancient pilgrimage route from Istanbul to Konya, and transformed it into a cinematic and soulful narrative.

According to the Sufi Trail community, Davide produced a stunning five-part documentary capturing both the rugged beauty of dirt roads and the spiritual essence of the journey. His footage didn’t just showcase landscapes—it breathed life into the trail’s soulful heartbeat Sufi Trail.

He also authored part of the iconic Sufi on Bike guidebook, becoming the unofficial ambassador of bike-packing the Sufi Trail—a modern pilgrim on two wheels Sufi Trail.

2021: First Glimpse of Pilgrimage and Pedals
Davide's arrival in 2021 marked a convergence of his passion for story-driven cycling and the path of dervishes. From the storied cityscapes of Istanbul through the underwater marvel of İznik and across silent Anatolian villages, he pedalled with intention.

His visual storytelling intertwined rocky ascents, village encounters, and the soft light of dawn on old caravanserai. He rode not for records or speed, but for connection—to places, people, and the whispers of history along the Hajj route that the trail revives Sufi Trail.

2025: The Trail Thrives and Dawns Anew
By 2025, the Sufi Trail had grown into a living, breathing pilgrimage corridor. The Thru-Hike Hiking Caravan to the Light ran from May 2 to June 12, offering a structured, communal walking experience along the same route Davide had cycled. Pilgrims traveled slowly, sharing campfires under the stars, walking in the footsteps of Sufis toward Rumi’s tomb in Konya Sufi Trail.

Davide’s 2021 journey now formed part of a narrative tapestry—his films and writings offering inspiration to those choosing to walk, reflect, and journey inward as the walking caravan wove its way east.

A Poetic Recounting of Davide’s Sufi Trail Journey
In 2021, Davide Travelli set off from Istanbul—his bicycle ready, his journal open, his camera primed to capture more than landscapes: he was chasing echoes of mystics and caravans past.

His five-episode film series turned asphalt and dirt into frames of spiritual resonance. Sunrise over the Sea of Marmara, quiet village mosques, the hidden city beneath İznik’s waters—all breathed with the patience of centuries and the hush of pilgrims’ footsteps.

Every pedal stroke was a meditation. Every stop—whether greeted by tea in a hamlet or shelter in a muhtar’s care—was a lesson in generosity. He cycled not through space, but through stories.

By 2025, others followed—not just behind his wheel, but along his path. Walkers and thinkers, seekers of light, formed the Hiking Caravan. Davide’s visual narrative became a supporting beam in a growing ripple: people choosing to walk, to feel, to belong.

His journey stands as both beacon and invitation: travel with reverence, move with intention, and let each village, each mountain, each breath be an altar of discovery.

Davide Travelli ~ Back on the Sufi Trail ❤️

But such an adventure doesn’t happen without support. If his travels inspire you, consider fuelling his journey through a one-time donation (PayPal.me/davidetravelli) or a monthly contribution (*Alaska2Patagonia.com/support*). Every bit helps keep the wheels turning.

Follow Davide as he pedals onward—because the world is vast, and the road never really ends. Also, we are grateful as were Davide travels great movies follows, you can see the previous episodes on his YouTube channel and get inspired by Davide and off course his pizza.

🌍 Follow the Journey:
📖 Blog: Alaska2Patagonia.com
📸 Instagram: @davidetravelli
🎥 YouTube: @DavideTravelli
👍 Facebook: Davide Travelli

The road calls. Will you answer? 🚴♂️✨

Back to the Beginning: Eyüp Restored as the Sufi Trail's Starting Point

Where Pilgrimages Begin Again. After a period away, the spiritual and symbolic start of the Sufi Trail returns to Eyüp, Istanbul.

☕️ Back Where It All Begins – A Warm Return in Eyüp
Başkan'ın Yeri: A New Name, the Same Heartfelt Welcome

We’re over the moon to share the return of a beloved place at the very start of the Sufi Trail: Cem’s café, once known as Emirhan, is open once again—this time with a fresh name and a renewed spirit.

Now called Başkan'ın Yeri (meaning The President’s Place), the café is once again the cozy, welcoming homebase for pilgrims, cyclists, and wanderers setting off from Eyüp. Though the old café sadly went bankrupt, Cem never gave up. With quiet strength and that signature hospitality we all missed, he's brought it back to life—offering tea, smiles, and stories right where the trail begins.

And yes—a brand-new Sufi Trail stamp is waiting there, marking the official start of your journey.

Come in for çay, stay for conversation, and feel that familiar warmth that made Emirhan so special. A new name, the same soul.

Başkan’ın Yeri – your first stop on the path to Konya.

Community Spotlight: Sufi Trail Facebook Group

Where Pilgrims & Stories Converge — The Sufi Trail Facebook Community

Connecting pilgrims, hikers, cyclists, and dreamers from across the globe, the Sufi Trail Facebook Group is a vibrant digital hub where personal stories, inspiring images, and logistical tips come together in a tapestry of shared inspiration.

Here, members exchange first-hand accounts of their walking and cycling journeys, highlight traditional hospitality received in Anatolian villages, and post stunning moments—from dawn mist over hidden mosques to companionship born around campfires. It’s a space where planning your next stretch of the trail is as much about preparation as it is about cultivating connection.

Whether you’re looking for route updates, packing advice, or simply want to marvel at someone else’s sunrise shot from the path, this community welcomes you with open hearts. Full of encouragement and wisdom, it turns the physical challenge of 801 km into a collective pilgrimage—virtually traveled, deeply felt.

Ready to join the conversation and walk with us in spirit? You're just a click away from fellow travelers, shared stories, and the soul of the Sufi Trail.

Beyza Documentary ~ RAH

A 40-day walking route from Istanbul to Konya.

This documentary tells the story of a man who walked the 800-kilometer trail from Istanbul to Konya, and the personal transformation he underwent along the way. It also weaves in the journey of a group walking the trail in 2025, focusing in particular on the story of one woman within that group.

Director: Beyza N. Emisen
DOP/Editor: Cemrecan Yurtman
Assistant Director / Drone Pilot: Yusuf Demirli

Engin Ertan: Artist on the Way
Where Stories Begin and Images Linger

Photographer Engin Ertan captures more than faces—he reveals souls along the trail, one quiet image at a time.

Engin Ertan – Artist on the Way
In the soft dawn of Istanbul’s historical alleys, we strolled side by side—two travellers at different paces, but bound by curiosity and the mystery of capturing light. Engin Ertan, the photographer, walks with the world not as it appears, but as it is felt. His camera tucked close, ready to freeze a heartbeat he has only truly seen.

The Meeting
“Before I take the picture, I must first know the person,” he told us as we wandered through winding streets and whispered histories. His eyes weren’t just observing; they were listening—with empathy for the inner life of his subject. His photographs flow from a place of respect and stillness, not performance or spectacle. He often speaks of discovering an “inner side” in everyday moments—a gesture, a cadence, a silent language that only reveals itself when one watches closely enough.
enginertan.com

A Life in Light
Born in 1952, Engin’s journey into photography began in 1983. Though he comes from a world far removed from studios—gestating through administrative sciences, management consultancy, and cultural projects—his heart found its true rhythm behind a light SLR camera, trained on life in motion. He honed his craft through teamwork with artistic communities like Fotogen and the Sali Photography Group, finding beauty in the poised second between gesture and memory.
enginertan.comfotografya.gen.tr

He has presented his work internationally: from the “Millennium Istanbul” exhibition—revealing 25 years of the city’s transformation—to collaborative projects with prominent photographers and cultural institutions.
enginertan.commusecube.com

Today’s Walk
Today, the morning light spilled over domes and cobblestones as Engin paused at an unassuming doorway. Without prompting, he raised his camera and froze a world beyond our awareness—the way a shaft of light balanced, the tilt of a pedestrian’s shoulder, the serene expression of a shopkeeper adjusting a display. At that moment, the image felt less like capture and more like discovery.

He teaches through silence—teaching us that the power of photography lies not in proving, but in revealing. That the soul of an image resides in what you choose to see, and how you sit with it.

Two Paths, One Horizon
Soon, our paths diverge yet converge again: Engin will wheel his way along the dusty, sacred route of the Sufi Trail; we cycle the Rumi Trail, each day a meditation toward Konya. Fate—or perhaps memory—whispers that we may meet again in that ancient city, around October 12th, where devotion and creativity meet beneath the same sky.

Until then, this city is our shared canvas and each photo our way of saying: I see you.

Watch more on Engin his profile 🥰

A New Adventure Begins – East Turkey Beckons

Exploring Untouched Paths with Heart and Curiosity
Eight friends set off on a pioneering journey into the lesser-known corners of Eastern Turkey—expect the unexpected.

A New Adventure Begins – East Turkey Awaits!
We’re off again — this time to the wild, untamed beauty of Eastern Turkey.
A new chapter, a fresh horizon, and the thrill of the unknown calling our names.

For those who enjoy journeying with us from afar,
we’ll once again be keeping a digital travel journal.
Polarsteps is our compass for this —
a place where all our adventures come together,
a map of memories showing where we’ve been,
and where we are now.

It’s not just a diary,
but a way to travel together —
as we watch the little dots of our fellow explorers
appear and move across the world.
Sometimes, paths cross.
Sometimes, they run parallel.
Always, they connect.

This journey will be special —
the first stretch is uncharted for us as well.
We’re a group of eight friends,
eager for discovery,
ready for the unknown,
and not afraid of a little pioneering.

Will we take a wrong turn or two?
Very likely.
Will we collect stories worth telling?
Absolutely.

Follow the journey here:
🌍 Iris – https://www.polarsteps.com/IrisBezuijen
🌍 Sedat – https://www.polarsteps.com/SedatCakir

Let the road unfold. - www.rumitrail.com

Circles of Grief – Art That Touches the Soul
A Powerful Photo Project by Joke Buringa

In this emotional and visually moving work, Joke transforms personal loss into universal beauty and reflection.

Circles of Grief – Art That Touches the Soul
A photo project by Joke, rich in emotion and meaning.

Following the words of poets and writers, it is now Joke — our visual artist — who speaks through her lens. As the very first traveller on the Sufi Trail, she is one of the original pioneers. Together with a small group, she helped explore what would later become the trail’s second section — a journey marked by beauty and success. Joke captured this experience in an article which you can read here:

meandering-along-gently-sloping-hills-in-anatolia

Inspired by the 3D Sufi figures created by our technician and mapmaker Rob Polko, Joke began to explore the theme of grief through a visual lens. What emerged is a stunning and deeply moving art project: Circle of Grief. You can view the full series on her portfolio

When we shared the project with Rob at the office, the reaction was overwhelming — so many circles, yet this one radiated joy and creativity. It’s incredible how differently we experience things when they are made with care and love. This project became a circle in itself — a circle of artists, connected by emotion, vision, and soul.

Registration has started for hiking caravan 2026

INVITATION: hiking caravan 2026 – The Sufi Trail Adventure in Turkey

Dear adventurer, zen seeker and nature lover,

Have you always dreamed of a journey where philosophical moments go hand in hand with a brisk walking rhythm? Where you are chased by friendly street dogs and existential questions? Then the hiking caravan 2026 – Edition Sufi Trail is exactly what you need!

After Victor's legendary report, we know for sure: this is no ordinary walking tour. This is a pilgrimage for the soul (and ankles). You don't just walk 800 km to Konya - you survive it.

So, daredevils and zen seekers: put June 2026 in your agenda. Come for the miles, stay for the chaos, the tea invitations from locals and the inevitable hamam experience refreshing as a plunge pool, meet your fellow travellers and immerse yourself in the flowery Turkish landscape.

Practical information:

Where: From home to Istanbul, because the plane won't wait. And then walk to Konya. 800 km in 40 walking days.

When: May 1 to June 12, 2026 - because May and June are the flower months.

What to bring? A smile, a dose of patience, and a tent for the wild nights.

Register before the walking caravan is full. Because one thing is for sure: this will be a journey to remember. Or, as Rumi would say: "The journey is the destination - but bring snacks."

See you on the trail! 🌄🐕🍟

The Walking Caravan Team