Silent Witnesses of History Under the Silver Lights of the Milky Way: Gerdekkaya and Yazılıkaya

In the skies of Eskişehir, the eternal dance of stars meets the silent witnesses of history. The majestic sweep of the Milky Way embraces the millennia-old Gerdekkaya and Yazılıkaya monuments in the mystical Phrygian Valley, bathed in a silvery glow. This magical moment is immortalized by talented Eskişehir-based astrophotographer Murat Oktay.

A Cosmic Convergence: Time and the Universe

Oktay’s lens captures a unique panorama where time and the cosmos converge. He uses timelapse photography, masterfully combining 1,059 individual frames. This showcases the Gerdekkaya monument in Çukurca village (Seyitgazi district) and the Yazılıkaya monument in Yazılıkaya village (Han district), both near Eskişehir, Türkiye, beneath the awe-inspiring Milky Way. This is more than a photograph; it’s a journey through time.

Capturing the Night Sky’s Majesty

Between May and November, the Milky Way graces the night sky in its most brilliant and dramatic form. During this period, Oktay spends his nights under the stars. He employs long exposure techniques with precision. Consequently, he captures the movement of the stars, the Milky Way’s magnificent texture, and the monuments’ enigmatic silhouettes with exceptional clarity. The resulting images are not mere photographs; they are postcards from another time—a moment, a memory, a time capsule.

Ancient Echoes: History Under the Stars

Gerdekkaya and Yazılıkaya bear the marks of the Phrygian civilization. These historical monuments date back thousands of years. By day, they stand as silent witnesses. However, at night, under the Milky Way’s silvery light, they seem to come alive. Thanks to Oktay’s photographs, we witness the unique connection between these historical structures and the cosmos. Thus, we embark on a journey through the depths of history under the stars.

The Art of Astrophotography: Blending Techniques

Oktay’s techniques for capturing these magical moments are equally impressive. The combination of timelapse photography and long exposure reveals the movement of both the sky and history. This showcases the passage of time. This unique blend of natural and historical beauty, forged over millennia, reaches the world through Oktay’s lens.