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On Sunday evening, a rare blood moon lunar eclipse captured the attention of skywatchers across Türkiye, creating a spectacular celestial event that united locals and tourists from Istanbul to Van. The eclipse, which occurs when Earth passes between the sun and the moon, casting its shadow, turned the full moon a deep crimson—a phenomenon that has fascinated observers for centuries.
In Istanbul, thousands of residents and visitors flocked to iconic vantage points such as Galata Tower, Suleymaniye Mosque, Camlica Hill, and Bosphorus waterfronts. As the moon gradually shifted into Earth’s shadow, it glowed with striking red and copper tones, providing a surreal contrast against the city’s historic skyline.
Photographers captured remarkable images of the lunar spectacle framed by Istanbul’s minarets, bridges and bustling neighborhoods. Many visitors shared their awe on social media, while others simply stood in silence, mesmerized by the rare alignment of cosmic forces above one of the world’s most historic cities.
Meanwhile, in Side, Antalya, the ancient Temple of Apollo became a magnet for tourists and locals alike. The temple’s towering Corinthian columns were bathed in the soft, reddish glow of the eclipsed Moon, creating a breathtaking visual harmony between history and the heavens. Visitors wandered among the ruins, pointing cameras and smartphones upward to preserve the moment.
The temple, which has stood for nearly two millennia, seemed to come alive as its stones reflected the moon’s warm tones, creating a scene reminiscent of an ancient ritual honoring Apollo, the god of light, music and prophecy.
Throughout Antalya, the eclipse drew attention in coastal areas and open spaces. The region’s clear skies offered ideal viewing conditions, and locals described the event as “mesmerizing.” Tourists at seaside promenades and hilltops watched as the moon’s reddish glow slowly grew in intensity, gradually fading back to silver as totality ended. The combination of the moon’s crimson hue, gentle Mediterranean breezes, and the serene coastal scenery created an unforgettable sensory experience for observers.
Far to the east, in Ercis, Van, the blood moon was equally captivating. Beginning around 8:30 p.m. local time, the moon slowly entered Earth’s shadow and took on a deep red color that lasted approximately 82 minutes, one of the longest eclipses in recent years. Residents and visitors gathered in open fields and along the shores of Lake Van, photographing the celestial event and sharing it with friends and family.
The clear eastern skies allowed the moon’s full details to be observed with the naked eye, and the sight of a glowing red moon hovering over Van’s unique landscapes was described as “magical” and “once-in-a-lifetime.”
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