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A convoy of 28 vintage cars that set out from Belgium has kicked off a six-day Türkiye itinerary in the eastern city of Erzurum after touring Azerbaijan and Georgia, displaying their vehicles in front of the landmark Twin Minarets Madrasa and drawing strong local interest. The event was supported by Erzurum Metropolitan Municipality, with a bar ekibi— a local folk-dance troupe— putting on a show for the visitors.
Jules Verne (Julvern) Tourism General Manager Ayse Yagci Buyukpinar said the group began its Türkiye program in Erzurum with 28 cars, the oldest dating from 1928, adding, “This is our first stop in Türkiye.”
The route will take the convoy to Bayburt Baksi Museum, Erzincan, Kemaliye, Malatya, Nemrut, Sanliurfa, Gobeklitepe, Gaziantep and Adana over six days.
The group parked up at Twin Minarets Madrasa (madrasa refers to a historic Islamic school complex) and then visited Uc Kumbetler (known locally as “Three Cupolas”) and other historic spots, where officials briefed them on the sites. Residents turned out to view the cars and take photos with the vehicles.
Erzurum Metropolitan Municipality Chief Senior Adviser Huseyin Kocan welcomed the visitors and emphasized the city’s deep historical identity. He pointed to the setting as an open-air museum and said the municipality seeks to preserve the historic urban fabric while maintaining a distinctive local character that shapes how people feel about the city.
He noted that, in their view, tourism works best when it builds a unique national identity and helps present cultural values to wider audiences.
Buyukpinar explained that most participants are from Belgium, with travelers from the United States and Spain also in the group. She said classic car programs are common worldwide, and this itinerary follows a longer international route that began in Azerbaijan and continued through Georgia before reaching Türkiye.
She added that the same group toured Western Anatolia in 2023— starting in Istanbul and covering Cappadocia, the south, Izmir and Canakkale— and came back because they were pleased with the service, accommodation and food quality. The agency aims to increase the number of such specialized groups, believing they contribute to the promotion of Türkiye.
Participant Pol Derie said they wanted a memorable journey across three countries and chose to begin their Türkiye visit in Erzurum rather than follow the most common routes.
He described the pace as fast, with many places to see each day, and summed up the experience: “The tour is wonderful and impressive.”
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