Almost four weeks ago I visited my parents hometown Aksaray in Turkey. The last time I was there is more than 12 years ago. Wikipedia mentions about the city:

Today Aksaray is a quiet mid-size city. In recent past, many inhabitants migrated to Britain, Germany and other European countries for job opportunities…

My father was one of these inhabitants who moved in the early seventies to south Germany. His grandfathers and my mother’s grandfathers were originally from the northern Caucasus. They were so called Circassians – an ethnic minority immigrated to Turkey. To make a long story short – my family seems to be used to change a country from time to time.

This is the view from the place my family used to call “home” – it is at Kurtuluş Mahallesi / Millet Bahçesi. I spent many summer breaks here having a great time with cousins and family members.

This is the alley to the Aksaray cemetery which is surrounded by cottonwood trees. Walking by is a peaceful experience caused by the sound of leaves in the wind.

A turtle on its way at the cemetery – it is a natural habitat.

The reason for my visit: To fulfill my father’s last wish and to bring him back to the city he called “home”.