Urfa, Turkey

A minaret engulfed by birds

By Sergio Camalich

My host and I were sitting on the terrace of a coffee shop in the old city of Sanliurfa, sipping on my first cup of Menengiç Kavhe—a type of coffee I will never forget—and overlooking Balikigöl, watching the Sun set behind the mountains surrounding the city.

The comforting feeling of a pleasant moment on a late afternoon break after a full day of exploring a new place.

Like on cue, the now familiar call to Adhan ignited an explosion of thousands of birds, coming in and out the remaining sunlight, flames burning in the sky.

Alternate Version

Close up and more birds!

Close up and more birds!

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