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As part of the Türkiye Culture Route Festival’s eighth leg this year, figure-shaped hot air balloons took flight over the surreal landscape of Cappadocia in central Türkiye, turning the early morning skies into a visual spectacle for visitors from around the world.
The show flight, held in the town of Goreme in Nevsehir province, featured balloons in the shape of animals, vehicles, and other playful figures. Alongside Cappadocia-based operators, special balloons brought in from several other countries were also prepared at dawn for the performance, offering a unique scene as sunlight touched the region’s valleys.
In total, 40 shaped balloons took off from the Goreme festival grounds. The display included balloons designed to look like a parrot, cow, frog, car, rocket, heart, and wolf. After lift-off, they floated above the region’s famed valleys for about half an hour, creating a colorful parade in the sky.
Tourists from both Türkiye and abroad gathered in large numbers to watch the event, which is part of the larger Türkiye Culture Route Festival organized by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. The festival aims to promote cultural heritage and attract international attention to the country’s historical and natural landmarks.
Nevsehir Governor Ali Fidan emphasized the unique character of the region, pointing out that Cappadocia’s natural, historical, and cultural riches make it feel like a "fairy-tale land." He noted that hot air balloon flights contribute significantly to the region's charm and global reputation.
Fidan shared that last year saw a record-breaking number of balloon passengers in the area, with around 770,000 people joining a balloon tour. According to the latest data, the number of balloon riders has grown by 11% in the first seven months of this year compared to the same period last year.
Mehmet Halis Aydogan, head of the Anatolian Hot Air Balloon Operators Association, said the festival has grown each year and continues to bring more vibrancy to the skies of Cappadocia. He highlighted the increasing role of special-shaped balloons in drawing public interest and enriching the event.
Orkun Ince, one of the viewers, stated that he attends the festival every year and finds it particularly beneficial for promoting the region. The combination of early morning light, creative balloon designs, and the backdrop of Cappadocia’s valleys continues to captivate both first-time visitors and returning spectators.
The show flights with figure-shaped balloons are scheduled to continue at sunrise each day through Aug. 10, as part of the Nevsehir leg of the Türkiye Culture Route Festival.
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