The 18th edition of the East-West Friendship and Silk Road Rally recently started in Istanbul and, after a one-night break in the picturesque region of Cappadocia, took the participants further along its impressive route.

Supported by the European Union and the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, this year's rally brought together 28 drivers from five countries - Italy, Germany, Austria, Moldova and Turkey. With 12 vehicles, they plan to cover a distance of around 15,000 kilometers, with the final destination in Orhun, Mongolia.

In Cappadocia, more precisely in Göreme, the participants witnessed a breathtaking spectacle: at sunrise, numerous hot-air balloons rose into the sky, offering an impressive panorama of the region's fairy chimneys and valleys. Some took the opportunity to photograph the natural beauty, while others posed with tourists who were fascinated by the rally vehicles.

Nadir Serin, Chairman of the Association for East-West Friendship and Peace, emphasized the importance of the rally:

"Our aim is to publicize the beauties of Turkey and show that the country is different from how it is often portrayed in the European public. We act as a bridge between East and West, and Turkey is a central pillar of this bridge."

The next stage takes the teams to Adıyaman before they continue their journey through countries such as Iran, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and China to finally reach Mongolia.

This rally not only stands for sporting ambition, but also for cultural exchange and the endeavor to promote friendships between different nations.