Kayseri: Encountering the leisurely pace of a small Turkish town in the long river of time

Deep in the interior of Türkiye, Kayseri is like a pearl forgotten by time, emitting a quiet and charming light. This small town does not have the hustle and bustle of a big city, but has its own leisurely and slow pace, making people feel as if they have entered a world favored by time. When I first arrived in Kayseri, the sun poured down unreservedly on the streets and alleys. On both sides of the street, ancient buildings are scattered in an orderly manner, and the earth-yellow walls glow warmly in the sun, as if telling stories of the past. Walking through it, the stone pavement under your feet has been polished smooth by time, and every step is like a gentle touch with history. The bazaar in the city center is a great place to experience the atmosphere of Kayseri life. As you step into the market, colorful goods instantly catch your eye. In the spice shop, various spices exude rich and unique aromas, mixing together to weave a symphony of smell. In front of the fruit stall, fresh and juicy fruits are piled up like mountains. The stall owner greets customers warmly with a simple smile on his face. Here, time seems to pass very slowly. People leisurely select their favorite items and enjoy the shopping process. Kayseri’s cuisine is a feast for the taste buds that should not be missed. Find a small street restaurant and order some local barbecue. The tender and juicy grilled meat is paired with fragrant rice and refreshing salad, and every bite is full of rich Turkish flavor. Have another cup of Turkish black tea, watch the tea leaves tumbling in the glass, the steam rising, and feel the coziness and leisure of this small town in the aroma of tea. In the evening, we arrived at the park. The afterglow of the setting sun dyed the sky orange-red, and sprinkled on the lake, making it sparkle. The locals were either sitting on the benches chatting or playing with their children on the grass, creating a peaceful and tranquil scene. At this time in Kayseri, the heat of the day has faded away, and the breeze is blowing gently, bringing a hint of coolness, making people intoxicated in this peaceful atmosphere. As night falls, the city is shrouded in lights. Walk into a traditional cafe, listen to the melodious Turkish music, and watch people sitting together, smoking hookah, chatting, and enjoying the good time of the night. Here, there is no busy pace, no hurried footsteps, everything is so natural, making people immersed in this slow time and forgetting all worries. Kayseri, a small city in Türkiye, interprets a different lifestyle for us with its tranquility, simplicity and enthusiasm. Here, time seems to no longer be important. What is important is to feel every moment with your heart and enjoy this leisurely and slow time.