It goes further up, gently but steadily, and soon I each 1200 m, the highest point for today. For the rest of the day, I cycle on a plateau at some 1000 m elevation. Except a few petrol stations, nobody lives here. The landscape is arid, lifeless, but superb. I have a real pleasure being here almost alone and enjoying this. The sky is cloudy and the temperature is just the way she should be for cycling.

At 14.00 h I reach Kütahya; I would like to continue, but the next town is 100 km away, too far.

Yesterday I noticed many marble quarries; today there are lots of ceramic factories along the road.

Another thing that one cannot fail to see: Even in a small town like this one, there is a very strong police presence. They are just everywhere. There are as well military barracks in nearly every town. Military service is an obligation in Turkey; being a conscientious objector is almost possible and normally means: jail!

Seen near Kütahya

Kemal Atatürk and friends: Turkish leaders from the last 2000 years