The Eternal Flow:Anatolia's Ritual of Earth and Water

Anatolia, a vast geography shaped by the rhythmic pulse of tectonic forces, has served as a sanctuary of healing for millennia. This land, defined by its rich geothermal veins and mineral-dense soil, is more than just a physical space; it is a living laboratory of peloidotherapy and thermal traditions. My project seeks to capture this timeless dialogue between the human body and the elemental forces of the earth—the steam, the sulfur, and the mud. For centuries, the thermal springs of Türkiye have functioned as communal altars where health and social life converge. From the grand, historical domes of Bursa to the raw, untamed edges of Gökçeada, these waters represent a bridge between the ancient past and the modern search for tranquility. People do not merely visit these springs for medical relief; they surrender themselves to the water to escape the cacophony of modern existence, seeking a primal connection to the planet. In this ongoing series, I explore the visual harmony of these sacred sites. The photographs were captured in the steam-filled horizons of Muğla, where world-renowned springs emerge, and in hidden, local gems known only to those who inhabit the land. My lens focuses on the quiet moments of surrender: the way mineral-rich mud masks the skin, turning the human form into a living sculpture, and how the rising steam blurs the lines between reality and myth. The project highlights the contrast between the organized recreational tourism of well-known hubs and the raw, untouched beauty of local "healing spots." In these frames, the water is a character itself—a silent witness to generations of stories, pains, and recoveries. By documenting these rituals, I aim to show that these thermal landscapes are not just geographical features, but cultural heritage sites where the soul is cleansed alongside the body. This journey through Anatolia’s steaming heart is an invitation to witness the enduring power of nature as the ultimate healer.