Turkey Launches New Mesopotamia Express Train
Turkey launched the new Mesopotamia Express train, which runs a 1,051 km route from Ankara to Diyarbakır. The train travels through mountainous landscapes and some of the country's most important historical sites.
New railway lines, such as the Tren Maya in Mexico and the European Sleeper connecting Brussels and Prague, are attracting tourists worldwide. Companies are expanding their luxury rail travel offerings, including the Orient Express' La Dolce Vita train in Italy.
The new Mesopotamia Express route continues the popularity of the Eastern Express, which was launched in 2019. It offers tourists a journey through the central Anatolia region, rich in history and culture. The launch of the Mesopotamia Express is part of a national initiative to stimulate tourism beyond popular destinations like Istanbul and Antalya. Turkey aims to spread tourism across all 81 provinces by improving the railway network with investments and high-speed trains.
The Mesopotamia Express can accommodate up to 180 passengers and offers traditional Anatolian cuisine in the dining car. The journey takes 24 hours, with stops of three to four hours for sightseeing and cultural exploration.
The trip begins in Ankara, with the first stop in Kayseri, known for its bazaars and ancient architecture. The train then heads to Malatya, a major city in Anatolia, famous for its annual apricot festival held from July 20 to 22.
The next stop is Elazığ, located in the shadow of the ancient city of Harput, where visitors can see the Harput Castle and the İzzet Pasha Mosque.