18th Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Travel
Cappadocia Hot Air Balloons

Before the sun rises in the Cappadocian desert hundreds of hot air balloons are getting ready for their morning flight. The balloon is first filled with air by a compressor and then as it begins to stretch the fire is turned on to make it stand. On cold days, not much warm air is needed before the balloon with its passengers takes off.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 12.2019
Date Uploaded: 11.2020
Photo Location: Göreme, Turkey, Türkiye
Camera: SLT-A99V
Copyright: © Meir Sussman