Turkish kayaker reaches Bodrum after 83 days on sea Challenge to travel 8,333-kilometers / PHOTO

A Turkish kayaker who set out from Istanbul to travel along Türkiye’s 8,333-kilometer coastline in a bid to draw attention to the country’s water resources and natural environment has reached Bodrum after spending 83 days on the water.

Turkish national Halil Uzel, a 57-year-old retired noncommissioned officer, began his journey from Poyrazköy in Istanbul on June 4, as Turkish media outlets report.

Uzel said the journey aboard his five-meter long kayak was planned as a three-year project and would see him cover Türkiye’s entire coastline, including its islands.

As part of his extraordinary project, titled “Vefa Route” — a name referring to faithfulness and enduring gratitude — Uzel is also commemorating people and projects that have left significant marks on the country’s seas, sports, arts, culture and wider society at different points along his route.

The hobby athlete said he had been involved in outdoor sports, particularly diving, for many years and had been planning the journey since 2012.

He said he eventually decided to combine his long-standing dream with social responsibility messages focused on protecting nature, Türkiye’s coastlines and water resources.

“I have been planning this dream since 2012. Everything started with pursuing that dream,” Uzel said.

Speaking to reporters, Uzel said the current leg of the expedition had required him to spend long periods living outdoors. Nearly 70 of his 83 days on the journey had been spent camping, he said.

“I definitely do not light fires. I continue with limited food and supplies that I carry with me,” Uzel said.

Uzel carries approximately 60 kilograms of equipment, including camping gear, emergency supplies, a life jacket, a radio and technical equipment.

He said he can travel at an average speed of between 2.5 and 3 miles per hour when there is no strong headwind and generally covers around 30 to 40 kilometers of coastline each day.

Once he will reach Hatay, Türkiye’s southernmost province on the Mediterranean coast bordering Syria, Uzel plans to travel along the country’s Black Sea coastline in spring.

Once that stage is completed, he plans to move to Türkiye’s inland waters, beginning with Lake Van in eastern Türkiye before continuing to other lakes across the country.

By Nazrin Sadigova