Fatma Zehra Gözoğlu Kazan – Şanlıurfa/ Turkey 

    Hilal Ferik- Gaziantep / Turkey

    Şeyma Nur Bayraktar – Hatay/ Turkey

    Gülnur Koçyiğit ince – Konya / Turkey 

    Mesude Yalçın – İzmir / Turkey

    Fotini Gouni- Greece

    Vasileia Arampatzi- Greece

    Cinzia artioli - Italy

    Beatrice Perkins- Italy

     Valerjia ivanagic- Croatia 

    Anca Stan Ioan- Romanya

    Andreea Anamaria Luca - Romania

    Edita Setkauskiene-Lithuania

    Ayşegül Yaman – Muş / Turkey

    Hazal Karabatak – Kastamonu/Turkey

    Elif Yılmaz- İstanbul / Turkey

    Medine Türker-Ankara / Turkey

    Ayten Akoğul-Nevşehi / Turkey

Piri was a “Dream Messenger,” one who heard the whispers of the wind, read the paths of the birds, and, most importantly, collected the hidden dreams of the cities. On his back, he carried a magical Cultural Saddlebag, which never filled but always collected a piece from every place he visited. Around his neck hung the Silver Telescope inherited from his grandfather, polished to the blue of the sky. Through this telescope, he could see the joy inside buildings, the history of the streets, and people’s most beautiful dreams.

Piri’s home was the giant hot-air balloon “Dream Traveler,” pink and white, with each patch made from the fabric of a different country.

One morning, while checking the basket of his balloon, Piri murmured to himself:

— “It’s time to go to the place where time began, the land where the first sentence of history was written. The road of dreams leads to Şanlıurfa!” 

 As the first light of morning painted the massive pillars of Göbeklitepe in gold, the giant pink balloon named “Dream Traveler” was slowly inflating at the zero point of history. Piri, waiting excitedly in the basket, was polishing his Silver Telescope when he heard a voice from below:

— “Hey! Are you leaving without me? No one knows the language of the wind better than I do!”

The voice belonged to İbrahim. Around his neck was a handwoven scarf, and in his hand he held a copper coffee pot. İbrahim knew the narrow streets of Urfa, the legends of Balıklıgöl, and the scent of the earth like the palm of his hand. With a quick move, he jumped into the basket.

Urfa - Türkiye 

As the balloon lifted off, Urfa spread out beneath them like a golden storybook city. İbrahim handed the Silver Telescope to Piri and pointed below:

— “Look, Piri,” İbrahim said, his voice blending with the whisper of the wind. “Göbeklitepe… These stones have watched the sunrise for 12,000 years. Humanity’s first dreams, its first prayers, were formed among these massive pillars. Time began here, but it has never ended.”

As the balloon floated over the city, İbrahim pointed southwest with his hand.

— “See there,” he said respectfully. “The Station of Patience. This is where Prophet Job endured his famous trials, where his patience could move mountains. This land holds not just history, but endless patience. 

That’s why nothing in Urfa is rushed; everything waits for its time, every prayer for its answer.” When Piri turned the telescope in that direction, he could see the peaceful silence of the station and the sparkling healing waters nearby. Soon after, they reached the shores of Balıklıgöl (Halil-ür Rahman). 

The deep green of the water blended with the silver sheen of the fish. İbrahim smiled as if tossing a small handful of food to the fish from the balloon.

From below, the rhythmic hammering of coppersmiths in the narrow streets rose like a heartbeat. The spicy yet inviting aroma of fresh isot peppers floated up on the wind, reaching the balloon’s basket. İbrahim took a piece of fresh sesame Urfa kete and some çiğ köfte from the saddlebag and shared it with Piri.

— “This journey is long, and sometimes the wind will blow against us, Piri,” İbrahim said wisely. “We must carry with us Urfa’s patience, Prophet Job’s steadfastness, and the fertility of this ancient land. Those who know patience will surely reach their destination.”

Piri was deeply moved by these words. He let a drop of water from Balıklıgöl touch the lens of the Silver Telescope. From that moment on, the telescope would show not only paths and buildings, but also the hidden stories in the hearts of every place and the deepest patience of its people.

— “Let’s go!” Piri said, stoking the balloon’s fire. “Let’s wrap ourselves in patience and float toward pistachio-green dreams, toward Gaziantep!”

Gaziantep - Turkey

Hatay - Turkey

The wind gently slowed our balloon as we approached Hatay, and Esma smiled, waved one last time, and stepped down from the basket. Then a young girl with bright eyes and a colorful scarf stepped forward. “My name is Şeyma,” she said. “Welcome to Hatay!” She was holding a big tray, and a sweet smell filled the air. Piri looked down through his Silver Telescope and saw the ancient streets stretching like a mosaic. We saw the beautiful Saint Pierre Church on the mountain, small but very important. Şeyma said it is one of the earliest Christian churches in the world. We also saw the shining river, tiny houses like toys, busy streets, and the historic Habib-i Neccar Mosque, one of the first mosques in Türkiye. Hatay was full of history and culture. 

 Şeyma uncovered the tray and showed us warm, sticky künefe that smelled like sugar and butter, with soft, stretchy cheese inside. “This is our gift,” she said. We ate our Künefe it was so delicious and Şeyma said Hatay is a gastronomy city recognized by UNESCO because its food is very famous and delicious.She also bring a small bottle of golden olive oil and a piece of green laurel soap from Uzun Çarşı. We thanked Şeyma for her gifts and we started to fly slowly while hearing  marketplace chatter, spoons clinking in tea glasses, and the gentle sound of the river. Şeyma waved as the wind lifted us higher, air smelled of spices and sweet desserts. Hatay looked beautiful, sounded lively, and smelled unforgettable and soon we were flying north toward the vast plains of Konya. 

                               KONYA-TÜRKİYE

As the delicious spice scents of Hatay slowly faded away, the Dream Traveler balloon floated gently through the sky toward the endless plains of Konya. Below, golden fields danced with the wind. Şeyma smiled, waved goodbye, and stepped out of the balloon. Just then, a cheerful man wearing a big turban and holding a walking stick approached the balloon.

“Welcome! I am Nasreddin Hodja!” he said. Everyone smiled, and Nasreddin Hodja happily climbed into the balloon. Piri became very excited and immediately took out the Silver Telescope to look down.

Through the telescope, the shining green dome of the Mevlana Museum appeared. Pigeons were flying in the sky, spreading a peaceful silence all around. The balloon slowly drifted over the museum. In the distance, the soft sound of a ney flute could be heard.After exploring for a while, everyone felt hungry.

Nasreddin Hodja said, “You cannot visit Konya without tasting its food!” Together they ate warm etli ekmek, bamya soup, and arabaşı soup. The basket filled with the wonderful smell of freshly baked food. Then Nasreddin Hodja gave Piri special gifts from Konya: traditional clothes, colorful Mevlana candies, and sweet Bozkır tahini. Piri carefully placed these gifts into the Cultural Saddlebag. As the balloon rose higher, Piri looked again through the telescope and saw Çatalhöyük. There were ancient houses built very close to each other. “Long ago, people lived here together,” said Nasreddin Hodja.

As evening came, the balloon moved closer to Mevlana’s lodge once more. Below them, they watched the whirling dervishes spinning in their white robes. The music rose into the sky, filling everyone’s hearts with peace.It was time to continue the journey. Nasreddin Hodja waved goodbye. The wind gently pushed the balloon forward. Now, the Dream Traveler was flying toward the beautiful Aegean city of İzmir…

İzmir - Türkiye

The dream balloon continued its journey through the sky. After a while, Izmir appeared. The deep blue sea, the shores, and the palm trees were captivating. The balloon was enlarged towards Konak Square. In the middle of the square, the bright Izmir Clock Tower rose. Pigeons flew around the square, watching the children joyfully. Piri immediately took out his Silver Telescope. Through the telescope, he saw a magnificent coastal town with beautiful houses by the sea. This was Foça. Small boats were watering in the water, and seagulls were flying in the sky.

After a while, the balloon rose again and glided towards the historical sites of Izmir. Piri saw very old stone columns through the telescope. This was the famous ancient city of Ephesus. "This is a very old city," Piri said admiringly. As the balloon moved a little further, a small stone house appeared among the trees. Looking at the map Nasreddin Hodja had given her, Şeyma said, "This must be the House of the Virgin Mary." Everyone bowed respectfully. The trip had made everyone a little hungry. Delicious aromas rose from the basket. Piri and her friends ate boyoz, Izmir meatballs, and dishes cooked in olive oil.

 Piri put the small gifts from Izmir into the Culture bag. There was a blue seashell that reminded her of her heart and a delicious boyoz (a type of pastry). As the sun set over the sea, the Dream Traveler rose again. Şeyma looked down and waved. “Goodbye, beautiful Izmir!” she said. The Dream Balloon stretched out over the deep blue Aegean Sea. She was flying in the middle of the balloon amidst seagulls, the waves gently lapping against the shore. Piri immediately took out her Silver Telescope. You can see small islands in the distance. “Look! There’s a new place on land!” she shouted excitedly. There was a beautiful country with white houses, blue doors, and narrow streets. This was Greece…

Greece-Athens

The Dream Traveler balloon floated slowly over the deep blue Aegean Sea. Seagulls followed the balloon and the salty wind filled the air.
Soon the balloon arrived over the beautiful city of Athens.
Şeyma smiled and waved one last time. “Goodbye, my friends,” she said as she stepped out of the basket.
Just then a girl wearing a colorful Greek traditional costume approached the balloon. In her hands she carried a small basket.

“Welcome to Athens!” she said. “My name is Eleni.” 

Piri quickly took out her Silver Telescope. Through it she saw the great hill of the Acropolis of Athens rising above the city. At the top stood the shining marble temple of the Parthenon.

Greece-Athens

“It looks like a crown on the city!” Piri said with excitement.
Church bells rang softly in the distance and the warm smell of fresh bread filled the air.Eleni opened her basket. Inside there was sweet tsoureki and bright red Easter eggs.
“In Greece we celebrate Easter with these,” she explained happily.
They tasted the sweet bread while the balloon drifted above the small streets and white houses of the city. 

Below them people were laughing in cafés and musicians played joyful melodies.

Before leaving, Eleni placed a small gift into Piri’s Cultural Saddlebag: a tiny evil-eye charm for good luck and a red Easter egg.

“So your journey will always be safe,” she said.

Greece-Athens

The wind slowly lifted the Dream Traveler higher into the sky. Eleni waved goodbye as the balloon began to travel north.
“Now the wind is carrying us toward the lively seaside city of Achilleio,” Piri said excitedly.
And the Dream Traveler continued its magical journey…

Greece-Achilleio

The Dream Traveler balloon floated gently across the bright blue Aegean Sea. The wind was soft and the salty smell of the sea filled the air.
Soon the balloon arrived above a small seaside village in Magnesia and Eleni stepped out of the basket.  “Goodbye, my friends! Enjoy Greece!” she said.
Below them appeared a peaceful fishing village called Achilleio. Small colorful boats were resting in the harbor and fishermen were fixing their nets near the water.
Just then a boy wearing a straw hat approached the balloon and smiled. “Welcome to Achilleio!” he said.

Greece-Achilleio

“My name is Giorgos.” He carried a small fishing net and a basket with seashells inside.

Piri quickly took out her Silver Telescope. Looking through it, she saw the calm blue sea, tiny fishing boats, and white houses with red roofs. Seagulls flew above the harbor and the gentle sound of waves touched the beach. “It looks so peaceful!” Piri said.

Giorgos pointed proudly to his village.
“Our village is called Achilleio because it is named after the great Greek hero Achilles,” he explained. “According to old stories, the brave warrior lived in this land.”

The smell of fresh food soon filled the balloon basket. Giorgos opened his basket and offered them warm bread, olives, and delicious grilled fish. 

Greece-Achilleio

“In our village many families are fishermen,” Giorgos said proudly.

Nearby, the sounds of the sea mixed with the voices of people talking in the small harbor cafe. Children were laughing and running along the beach.
Before the balloon continued its journey, Giorgos placed a small gift into Piri’s balloon: a shiny seashell from the Aegean Sea and a tiny handmade fishing boat.  “So you will always remember our little village,” he said.
The wind slowly began to push the Traveler higher into the sky. Giorgos waved happily as the balloon rose above the quiet harbor.
Piri looked again through the telescope and saw another landscape, Italy...

Italy 

Our balloon flies toward a wonderful peninsula, full of vitality and diversity: Italy! 

Each region in Italy has its own unique characteristics. The balloon lands in Puglia, in Ostuni, “the white city”: the scent of the sea intertwines with homemade pasta, orecchiette with turnip tops. Eleni steps out of the balloon and runs to meet Lucia “Nice to meet you and welcome to my land”. 

Lucia is a sociable and carefree little girl who is eager to explore the world. She grew up in “the white city” but is ready to add more color to her life without forgetting her roots: Lucia places a meaningful gift in Piri's cultural wallet: the tomato sauce her grandmother makes with his help.

 Every year, the whole family harvests the tomatoes, carefully selecting them, guided by their aroma, and then, following the elders' instructions, crush and bottle them. When they open during the winter, their flavor and intoxicating aroma will remind Lucia of the affection and warmth of that taste. 

Then Piri, through his silver telescope, sees a man painting a strange object with multi-colored enamels. Lucia explains that it's the "pumo." Pumo derives from the Latin pomum (fruit) and the Greek pòma (lid), with a symbolism tied to an acanthus flower bud about to open, representing vitality, prosperity, and fertility. Lucia, Eleni, and Piri talked at length about their cities. 

Italy

Italy

This meeting was fabulous. Hearing stories of distant lands, embracing diversity, and discovering differences: a true journey. 

Then Eleni stepped out of the hot air balloon, and Lucia set off with Piri to discover Eastern Europe, toward Croatia. New adventures await us!

                                     Italy 

Croatia 

The balloon left Senigallia and flew over the blue Adriatic Sea. Piri looked down and saw the shiny water and small white waves. But the wind was strong and soon pushed the balloon away from the sea and toward the land of Croatia.

Croatia

Croatia

    The Dream Traveler balloon floated gently across the sky as the wind carried it from the wide fields of Baranja toward the green lands of Transylvania. Inside the basket were still Piri, Marko, and Ana, the two children from Croatia. They watched the land change slowly beneath them. Rivers turned into hills, and the hills became mountains.

    Soon the balloon crossed the tall Carpathian Mountains and reached a lively city. Piri lifted the magical Silver Telescope and looked down.

“Look,” he said with excitement. “We have arrived in Cluj-Napoca.”

Romania

Below them appeared the beautiful heart of the city. In the center stood the tall and impressive Saint Michael’s Church, rising proudly above Union Square. Around it stood colorful historic buildings that formed a bright frame around the square.As the balloon slowly moved across the sky, they also saw the green hill of Cetățuia Hill watching over the city. Nearby, Cluj Arena looked like a shining circle. Right next to it stretched the large Central Park where people walked along the alleys and children played near the lake. A little farther away they noticed the colorful paths and glass greenhouses of the Alexandru Borza Botanical Garden.Just then, the balloon slowly descended near the city.

Romania

Waiting below was a cheerful Romanian boy wearing a traditional white shirt decorated with red embroidery.

“Welcome to Cluj-Napoca,” he said with a smile. “My name is Ionuț.”Marko and Ana waved happily from the basket. Their journey from Croatia had been wonderful, but now their part of the adventure was ending. The balloon gently touched the ground and the two children stepped out.

“Thank you, Piri,” said Marko while holding his tamburica.

“It was a beautiful trip,” added Ana while adjusting her traditional scarf.They waved goodbye as the Dream Traveler prepared for a new journey.

Romania

Ionuț climbed into the basket with excitement. In his hands he carried a small wooden flute and a basket full of traditional Romanian treats.The city sounded lively and joyful. From the streets came the sound of street musicians, bicycle bells, and friendly voices. During summer, the powerful music of UNTOLD Festival fills Cluj Arena and Central Park with lights and thousands of people dancing together. The air smelled wonderful. The aroma of fresh coffee from small cafés mixed with the sweet smell of pastries from bakeries. During UNTOLD, a special fragrance sometimes floats through the crowd. It is the perfume Unspoken created by the brand My Geisha especially for the festival.

Romania

Ionuț opened his basket. Inside were soft Papanasi with blueberry jam and cream, a slice of Cozonac with walnuts, and a small bottle of fragrant Socată made from elderflowers. The delicious smell filled the balloon basket.

He also placed a small wooden miniature of Saint Michael’s Church and a red embroidered ribbon into Piri’s Cultural Saddlebag.

“So you will always remember Cluj,” said Ionuț proudly.

Piri looked one more time through the Silver Telescope. The city shined between the green hills and bright streets full of life.

The wind began to blow again. The Dream Traveler slowly rose into the sky.

Romania

Now the balloon was flying east across Romania. Piri and Ionuț looked ahead with curiosity. The wind was guiding them toward the city of Bacău, where new friends and a new chapter of the story were waiting.

Romania

The Dream Traveler balloon floated gently across the sky as the wind carried it west across Romania. The golden evening clouds slowly parted, and a patchwork of green fields began to appear below.

Inside the basket, Piri and his friend Ionuț were still smiling after their wonderful visit to Bacău.

Piri lifted his magical Silver Telescope and looked carefully at the land below.

“Look!” he said excitedly. “A new place is coming into view!”

Below them appeared Dumbrăvița, a bright and growing town near the city of Timișoara. From above, the streets looked neat and welcoming, surrounded by green parks and quiet neighborhoods. The town seemed peaceful, like a calm garden beside a big city.

Romania

The balloon slowly drifted lower, and Ionuț looked down one last time.

“My journey ends here,” he said warmly. “Dumbrăvița will be a wonderful stop for you.”

With a friendly wave, Ionuț stepped off the basket onto the soft grass below. Just then, a cheerful girl ran toward the balloon.

“My name is Mara,” she said proudly as she climbed into the basket. She wore a traditional Romanian ie, a white blouse embroidered with bright red and blue patterns. In her hands she carried a small wooden flute, called a fluier, a symbol of the music and traditions of the Banat region.

“Welcome to Dumbrăvița!” she said with a bright smile.

Piri looked again through his Silver Telescope.

Romania

Below them stretched the beautiful Dumbrăvița Central Park, filled with tall trees, winding paths, and playgrounds where children laughed and chased each other. Nearby stood the modern Town Hall, a symbol of how the town had grown quickly while still keeping its friendly village spirit.

From above, Piri could also see cyclists riding along long bike paths and families walking their dogs in the cool evening air. The rooftops glowed softly in the sunset.

“What a lively place!” Piri said.

Mara nodded.

“In Dumbrăvița people love nature and community. Many families come here to enjoy the parks, ride bicycles, and meet their neighbors.”

Romania