Life can sometimes catch us completely off guard. Last night, we experienced one of the most striking examples of this. My friends were involved in an accident on the Sivas road. Due to the dense dust cloud created by the vehicle ahead, visibility had dropped almost to zero. They had to stop their vehicle for safety. However, a truck coming from behind couldn't stop in time and crashed into their car at full speed. The impact completely crushed the trunk of the car. Even now, just thinking about those moments gives me chills.
But thankfully, my friends came out with only minor injuries. They had a few scratches and bruises, and stayed under observation in the hospital for a day. When I think about the severity of the incident, I feel like it was a huge stroke of luck. Because what truly matters is not the car, but that our loved ones are safe and sound with us.
In the morning, we wanted to take a breath, leave the bad memories behind. Our path led us to Kangal, where we discovered a café called “Devamkee.” When I saw the name, I couldn’t help but smile because “devamkee” is a word I’ve been using for years, almost like it belongs to me. It was so surprising and joyful to see a word from my own language used as the name of a place.
When we stepped inside the café, we were greeted by friendly staff. The coffee was fresh and delicious, and the sandwiches were truly satisfying. They even served floral cookies as a treat, which were a feast for both the eyes and the taste buds. It may seem like a small detail, but these kinds of thoughtful touches really touch your heart.
The side of the cafe was destroyed as if it was once a pile of hope that stood and had succumbed to time. Poured bricks, cracked walls and silence mixed with dust... Everything resembled a person's dreams that collapsed from the inside out. This corner, which was once filled with life, now bears the broken traces of the past, the more it was silent, the more it was telling.
The atmosphere of the place was really different. The walls were adorned with antiques; an old phone caught my attention—it had a beauty that defied time. The floral decorations on the walls made the space feel even warmer and more peaceful. In fact, I even noticed some swords hanging in a corner. I put on a cowboy hat next to them and for a moment, I felt like a cowboy. Little details like that bring out a childlike joy in you.
The three-story café has the ground floor dedicated to the café itself, while the upper floors are game rooms. So, it’s not only a place to eat and drink coffee but also an ideal spot to have fun and unwind.
With its antique décor, paintings, and the sincere atmosphere flowing from every corner, it helped us forget the sad events of the day, even if just for a little while.
What caught my attention at first glance was that nostalgic wall with old Turkish movies and legendary actors of Yeşilçam. It was almost like a window to the past; each photograph reflected the spirit of an era. Right in front of it, there was another wall where the saz and the guitar came together, drawing people in with its authentic texture. These two different corners were in a wonderful harmony that kept both our culture and our music alive.
There was a box there; it was full of colorful fortunes. I curiously reached out and chose the orange one. My fortune was written: "A ladybug appeared in your horoscope. You will have an auspicious and lucky period. At the same time, you have a fortune that comes financially, what else :)” This warm and cheerful message made the energy of that moment even more beautiful. I realized once again how a small piece of paper can leave a big smile on one's face.
Sometimes, a small surprise that comes your way on a bad day can change your entire perspective. The peace and joy we felt at the “Devamkee” cafe somewhat balanced the fear we felt from yesterday’s accident. It reminded us that the most important thing is being healthy and being able to see the small beauties life offers.
If you ever find yourself in Kangal, Turkey, make sure to visit “Devamkee.” Taste the delicious food that will fill you up and experience the warm atmosphere that will soothe your soul. Maybe you’ll also wear a cowboy hat like I did and let your inner child emerge for a little while.
Life doesn’t always go as planned. Sometimes there are accidents, unexpected events that come our way.
But what matters most is being able to say “devamkee” - "I'm going to continue." I'm alive! That's the main thing!
May God bless you.
Thank you for your visit 😊