11.06.2026 19:10
Two travelers cycling from Sweden to China on a world tour experienced 'cultural shock' on the 64th day of their journey when they stopped in the Mudurnu district of Bolu. Instead of setting up a tent, they asked for help and were hosted at a mosque by the village imam, who also offered them dinner. The cyclists were amazed by Turkish hospitality.
Two travelers who set off from Sweden on a world tour by bicycle toward China visited the districts of Mudurnu and Beypazarı on the 64th day of their adventure along the Turkish route. Admiring the hospitality of the Turkish people, the travelers praised the warm interest they received.
Swedish Markus Stromberg and his travel companion, who share their journey with followers on social media, resorted to a different method instead of setting up a tent for accommodation when they reached Bolu's historic Mudurnu district.
The foreign tourists, who requested assistance from the imam of a mosque affiliated with the Presidency of Religious Affairs, were warmly welcomed by district residents and mosque staff. The cyclists were provided with accommodation in a Quran course section attached to the mosque and were offered dinner.
TURKISH IMAM'S HOSPITALITY MADE AN IMPRESSION
Swedish traveler Markus Stromberg, expressing great joy due to the intense interest they encountered in Turkey, shared this extraordinary experience with these words:
"Actually, in the morning we discussed among ourselves what it would be like to stay in a mosque and were curious about it. In the evening, we went to an imam, explained our situation and that we were travelers; he helped us immediately without any hesitation. We spent the night peacefully in an extremely clean room used as a Quran course. The imam's offering us dinner was an incredibly kind gesture. We literally experienced a positive cultural shock."
CHALLENGING 93 KILOMETERS ON THE ANATOLIAN PLATEAU
The adventure enthusiasts, stating they were amazed by Turkey's rich geographical structure and unique natural beauties, emphasized that the landscape and vegetation constantly changed as they approached the Central Anatolia Region.
The cyclists, noting that this stage of their journey was quite challenging due to steep ramps and uneven terrain but equally enjoyable, recorded that they pedaled a total of 93 kilometers on the difficult route between Mudurnu and Ankara's Beypazarı district. The Swedish travelers stated that, motivated by the unique hospitality shown by the Turkish people, they will continue to progress on their challenging route toward China.