Speaking to the Anatolia news agency, Köprülü said that as steam trains became outdated by newer technology, many had been kept in storage. He explained that they made the decision to put two steam trains back into service as they believe the old trains will contribute to tourism.Köprülü noted that many people are quite interested in steam trains. “There are many people who love steam trains. They want to feel the nostalgia that steam train travel evokes and hear the sound of the steam trains. Some people have told to me that when they see steam trains, they feel they have traveled back to the old times in Turkey. We wanted to contribute to Turkish tourism and keep our history alive by putting these trains to good use,” said Köprülü.
In the intervening years, the number of engine drivers has decreased considerably. Bahattin Duran, who has been working as an engine driver for nearly 20 years, said there are only five or six engine drivers in Turkey capable of operating steam trains. He said he was unable to express how it feels to drive a steam train, adding that he was very happy to contribute to Turkish tourism in this way. “Driving a steam train is more difficult than driving other trains, but it is far more entertaining,” Duran said.
