As we got out of the crowded streets of Istanbul with the first light of day and arrived at the Avcılar coast, the coolness of the March morning was hitting our faces. My friend from high school, Ümit, a primary school teacher in Esenyurt, was with me. We started walking, surprised that our friendship was still fresh despite the years, and remembering the memories we had in our school desks. Our steps were moving slowly along the edge of the coast, where the sea hit the rocks with gentle waves.
The large rocks along the shore were lined up like silent guards protecting the shore even during the sea’s angry days. Large cargo ships stood motionless on the horizon, as if waiting for permission to enter the Bosphorus. As we walked, we stopped from time to time to watch the silent waiting of these giant ships. As Ümit explained how he used to explain the sea and ships to his students in primary school, and how he used to bring these giant structures to life in children’s imaginations, I listened to the sound of the sea gently echoing on the rocks washed up on the shore.
After walking for a few hours at different points of the beach, we sat down on one of the large rocks. Shaking off the fine pebbles that stuck to the soles of our shoes, we sat facing the sea and continued our conversation where we left off. We shared our memories, sometimes laughing and sometimes sighing with the nostalgia of talking about the past. While Ümit explained how it felt to touch the small worlds of his students, he emphasized that teaching is much more than just teaching.
The seagulls that were advancing along the shore were occasionally descending and ascending, diving to the surface of the sea, and then soaring back into the sky. A few street cats were happily lying on the stones where the sun was just beginning to make itself felt. We were feeling the peace of the moment as we watched the rhythm of this coastal life among ourselves. I took my phone out of my bag and took a few photos to immortalize these moments. It was enjoyable to photograph the large stones that contrasted with the blue of the sea, the cargo ships lined up in the distance, and the water surface reflecting the sun's light.
As the day slowly approached noon, we noticed that the beach was a little more lively. The silence of the morning hours was giving way to the voices of children, young people riding bicycles and other people walking. As we approached the end of our walk, we continued to sit on the stones for a while with a light breeze. Even though we could not see Ümit often, we realized that such a nice walk and conversation was good for us.
As time flies, we realized once again how valuable it is to enjoy the moment. These few hours we spent on the beach were not just a walk. It was a short escape from the busy pace of city life, a revival of old friendships and a meeting with the endless serenity of the sea. Although the photos I took froze these moments, the real beauty was hidden in the conversations we shared and the time spent together.
As we said goodbye, we started planning our next walk. We left Avcılar beach with the hope of meeting again on another coast of Istanbul, perhaps with a different view. As the sea left us with its waves behind, the memory of a friendship walk was engraved in our minds.
It's nice to be back in the #Ecency family after a long break.
Thank you to everyone who keeps this platform going, especially the #Worldmappin family.
All photos are taken by me.
I wish everyone a great time.
