ANKARA, April 11 (Xinhua) -- The Mesopotamia Express, a long-distance sleeper train designed to attract tourists to the nation's storied heartland, started operation on Friday.

The service, connecting the capital Ankara and the southeastern city of Diyarbakir, will operate eight round trips throughout the year.

This 26-hour, 1,051-kilometer journey offers 180 passengers a unique opportunity to explore Anatolia's rich heritage -- home to many ancient civilizations -- with several-hour stops at key destinations for immersive cultural experiences

Notable stops include Kayseri, often seen as the gateway to Cappadocia, famous for its hot-air balloon flights and unique geological formations; Malatya, one of Anatolia's largest cities and a historic hub for trade and cultural exchange; and Diyarbakir, home to an ancient walled city and one of Türkiye's UNESCO World Heritage sites.

The Mesopotamia Express also features authentic Anatolian cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients, while travel agencies are offering packages combining train travel with guided sightseeing and regional experiences.

"Train travel offers something no airport or highway can: continuity," travel writer Elif Ucar told Xinhua. "It connects people not just geographically, but emotionally through landscapes, history, and local encounters." Enditem

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