Have you ever seen a cannibal chicken? I didn’t know they existed until visiting Belemedik Village in the Taurus mountains, and it was not something I was prepared for.

Belemedik is known as a beautiful historic place, where I recently had the pleasure of picnicking with friends. Though many picnic options were available near the river bank or further into the mountains, we chose one near a grill because we had plans for freshly grilled chicken. Upon arrival we laid out prepared dishes on the shaded picnic table and spread out blankets surrounded by camping chairs under the nearby tree. It was heartening to see other groups of like-minded people seeking refuge from the city, enjoying nature’s delights. Taking a break to stretch our legs, we played frisbee as the sun and light breeze made the afternoon even more enjoyable. It was also fun teaching my friends a new way to toss the disc.

After grilling köfte (meatballs) and chicken wings, we enjoyed conversing over our delicious meal in the natural shade. We tossed finished chicken bones towards cute kittens waiting behind the nearby tree. They seemed very grateful, at times running off for a bit with their recently obtained treasure. It was then that the cannibal chicken made its appearance. Seeming to materialize out of nowhere, and before any of us knew what was happening, it began pecking clean the remnants of one of its kin! Startled to see such a sight, we sought to keep the bird away from any other pieces tossed to the kittens.

Lunch was followed by cool watermelon for dessert, alongside the plethora of snacks we each brought. A kindly elderly woman approached, offering her freshly picked thyme for sale. We gladly partook in her wares. Conversing with her, we gained wisdom from her 76 years of life, and she left us with many warm blessings.

This area was inhabited during World War I by Germans seeking to build a train line from Berlin to Baghdad. Upon hearing there were old houses previously used by the railroad workers, we set out to explore the area. Conquering the side of a mountain without an actual trail brought us great satisfaction as the gorgeous view became clearer with each bush circumvented. Reaching the middle of the mountainside we saw a trail ascending to our position letting us know an easier decent awaited. The delightful wind kept us cool as we took in the grand view before hiking into the nearby wooded area.

I always love exploring nature! From the smallest flower to the largest mountain, seeing majesty in each creation brings delight and significance to life. Nature helps me understand there is more to life than what I can fully fathom. Throughout the trip I enjoyed using my camera to capture nature as well as seeing my friends enjoying its never ceasing beauty. After tea and more snacks, we packed up and drove to a train tunnel built by the Germans in the early 1900’s. We safely enjoyed taking pictures while exploring the area before a train came by.

On our way back we noticed the many pleasant turn-offs travelers could take to spend time by the river. We chose one near a river bend and a spectacular cliff wall. Switching between skipping rocks and taking pictures made for a pleasant and calming way to end our delightful trip exploring Belemedik in the Taurus Mountains.