I’m not a morning person. Not by a long shot. So when I found myself at Hamburg Altona station at 4:30 AM, searching for a mysterious Turkish high-speed train to Istanbul, I began questioning every decision I’ve ever made that led me here. There were no signs, no announcements, and definitely no train. Just me, my suitcase, and the soft hum of distant vending machines.
But then—an unexpected hero. A kind older gentleman, collecting trash with more grace than I’ve ever managed walking in heels, appeared out of the shadows. He had the most charming Hanseatic dialect, but guess what? He was Turkish! Naturally, I asked him about the train. He chuckled and said, “4:30? That’s when I start my day—not when a train goes to Istanbul!” He looked at me with the seriousness of a knight on a quest and promised, “Come back at sunrise. Around 6:32. I’ll find out where and when. It’s a matter of honor.”
Reader, I believed him.
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6:32 AM: Sunrise, Coffee, and Destiny
True to his word, my trash-collecting train whisperer was back. He pointed me to the platform where the TCDD high-performance racing train gleamed in the morning light like something out of a sci-fi movie and a Turkish love song had a baby.
And this was no regular train. Oh no. It was smooth, sleek, and had that fresh-new-train smell. Think business class meets Bond villain lair—with less lava.
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Boarding the Train of Dreams
The moment I stepped on board, it was clear: this wasn’t a train—it was an experience. White-gloved waiters floated past like ballet dancers with trays of Turkish coffee, baklava, and tiny mystery sandwiches that I’m still dreaming about. The seats were buttery soft, and the lighting changed colors like a moody lounge. I swear I heard a soft jazz remix of the İzmir Marşı at one point. Stylish.
And the passengers? I felt like I’d wandered into a movie set. Among the notable figures on board were:
– Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloğlu, who proudly discussed the train’s development, highlighting that it was produced entirely with domestic resources and designed for maximum comfort.
– Engineers and representatives from TÜBİTAK Rail Transportation Technologies Institute (RUTE)**, who collaborated on developing the National Traction System and Train Control Management System for the project.
– Journalists and press representatives, invited to witness and report on this significant milestone in Turkey’s railway advancements.
Also several notable actors, including Turkish cinema icon Halit Ergenç and German actress Diane Kruger, who were invited to experience and endorse this pioneering journey. Their presence added a touch of glamour and highlighted the cultural bridge the train symbolizes.
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Through the Glass, Europe Rushed By
Even though the train was non-stop Hamburg to Istanbul, the windows were pure cinema. Germany faded into Austria, then Hungary, then… maybe Bulgaria? I lost count. Tiny villages, forests with fog-draped trees, a few cows that looked like they had opinions—Europe, in fast forward. At one point, we zipped past a lake so blue I gasped and spilled some pomegranate juice on myself. Worth it.
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A Very Istanbul Welcome
And then— Istanbul!
We pulled into Sirkeci Station, and it was like a royal homecoming. A brass band was playing (was that a jazzy version of “Üsküdar’a Gider İken”?), and people waved Turkish flags like we’d just won the World Cup. The energy! The smell of simit and sea breeze! And not a single confused announcement about Mannheim, thank you very much.
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Final Thoughts from Your Favorite Train Correspondent
Look, I’ve taken trains before. But this wasn’t just a train ride. This was a moving miracle of engineering, hospitality, and kebab-fueled joy. The TCDD high-speed Istanbul Express is fast, fancy, and full of stories waiting to happen.
Would I ride it again? In a heartbeat.
Would I recommend it? Only if you like comfort, views, and spontaneous mid-train dance parties.
Until next time, this is **Yo from Shantal**, reporting live from the dining car (with a dessert fork in hand and zero regrets).
