Snow blanket covers most of Turkey, warms hearts

With the latest snowfall that affected many areas in central, northern and western Turkey, much of the country's territory was covered in snow, except for tiny strips of land on its western and southern coasts.

Tourists take a horse trip around fairy chimneys in Güllüdere and Zemi valleys in Cappadocia in central Turkey.

Snow blanket covers most of Turkey, warms hearts

Capital Ankara received this winter's first effective snowfall, prompting a one-day snow break for students along with 25 other provinces.

This photo shows the Anıtkabir, the mausoleum of the republic's founder Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, and its surrounding neighborhoods after the snowfall on Wednesday.

Snow blanket covers most of Turkey, warms hearts

Citizens headed out onto streets and parks on Tuesday night to enjoy the long-awaited snowfall.

This drone photo shows central Ankara from the city's historic fortress.

Snow blanket covers most of Turkey, warms hearts

The efforts of municipality crews kept most of Ankara thoroughfares open without major disruptions in traffic.

Snow blanket covers most of Turkey, warms hearts

A cyclist enjoys the snow-covered route around Lake Eymir, Ankara.

Snow blanket covers most of Turkey, warms hearts

Historic waterfront houses by River Yeşilırmak in the central province of Amasya were also covered in snow.

Snow blanket covers most of Turkey, warms hearts

In eastern Turkey, the snow cover remains for months. In Doğubeyazıt, one of Turkey's easternmost districts, snowfall was effective on Tuesday, offering a breathtaking view from 17th century Ottoman-era structure Ishak Pasha Palace overlooking the town.

Snow blanket covers most of Turkey, warms hearts

Despite the freezing weather, herders continue their efforts to feed their flock throughout the region.

Snow blanket covers most of Turkey, warms hearts

Snow blanket covers most of Turkey, warms hearts

Snowfall was also effective at Lake Karagöl on Mount Yamanlar, a dormant volcano overlooking western Turkish province Izmir.

Snow blanket covers most of Turkey, warms hearts

On neighboring Mount Spil National Park, wild horses, also known as jades, have started coming closer to visitors in search of food.

Snow blanket covers most of Turkey, warms hearts

In central Kayseri province, residents of the zoo mostly seemed to be enjoying the snow, maybe except for this Bengal tiger.

Snow blanket covers most of Turkey, warms hearts

When the weather gets cold, however, some animals have a harder time finding food and shelter. In Domaniç district of central Kütahya province, students distributed food for stray dogs.

Snow blanket covers most of Turkey, warms hearts