In the fall of 2015, Matador sent a group of social media all stars on trips to the Black Sea region of Turkey, the culturally rich, historic, and incredibly scenic strip of territory spanning the north of the country from Istanbul to the border with Georgia. Here are just a few of the spectacular views they captured, ones you’ll see here and nowhere else.

Also featured are images taken by followers of @turkey_home — if you aren’t one of them yet, you’ll want to be after you see these shots!

On Karagöl Lake

Sumela Monastery

Zilkale (Zil Castle)

The view over Çamlıhemşin from the castle

The lake and village of Uzungöl

The arched bridges of the Fırtına river valley

Lakes and peaks of the Kaçkar Mountains

Pokut Plateau

Lake Abant

Castle in Sinop

Garzavan Plateau, Rize

Waterfall in Artvin Province