Vietnam bank chairman explores million-year-old rock valley in Turkey

By Nguyen Chi   November 3, 2024 | 11:38 pm PT
Tran Hung Huy, chairman of Asia Commercial Bank and the youngest chair in Vietnamese banking history, recently visited Turkey's Cappadocia, famed for its rock formations sculpted over three million years ago.
Vietnam bank chairman explores million-year-old rock valley in Turkey

Huy, 46, embarked on an exploration of Turkey in late October, immersing himself in the region's rock valleys, ancient towns, and historical relics that span millennia.

"Turkey is a meeting point between Europe and Asia, rich in history, culture, and cuisine," he shared with his over 25,000 Instagram followers.

Vietnam bank chairman explores million-year-old rock valley in Turkey

Cappadocia, located in Nevsehir province, 290 km from Ankara, was the centerpiece of Huy's journey.

The area is known for its otherworldly rock valleys, enigmatic underground cities, and the iconic hot air balloons dotting its skies.

Vietnam bank chairman explores million-year-old rock valley in Turkey

Pictured is a valley scene in Goreme, part of the Cappadocia region, bathed in the golden hues of autumn.

Spring (April to May) and autumn (September to November) are considered the most ideal times to visit Cappadocia thanks to its cool, pleasant climate.

Situated 756 km from Istanbul, Turkey's largest city, was declared a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site in 1985.

Vietnam bank chairman explores million-year-old rock valley in Turkey

The most distinctive feature of Cappadocia is its remarkable rocky landscape, with each valley showcasing different formations, such as mushrooms, chimneys, and spires.

These geological marvels stem from sedimentary and volcanic rock layers deposited by a massive eruption approximately three million years ago.

Vietnam bank chairman explores million-year-old rock valley in Turkey

Huy stands in front of the Goreme Open Air Museum.

During his visit, he explored famous sites such as the Rose, Love, Pigeon, Pasabag, and Red Valleys, as well as Uçhisar town and Goreme village.

Vietnam bank chairman explores million-year-old rock valley in Turkey

Back in Istanbul, Huy visited the Basilica Cistern, an underground architectural marvel.

It was constructed in the 6th century under Emperor Justinian I and used to serve as the main water reservoir for the Byzantine palace.

Vietnam bank chairman explores million-year-old rock valley in Turkey

Despite being an underground water cistern, the Basilica Cistern is often compared to a grand palace, with hundreds of stone columns arranged in perfect rows. Each column measures over 50 cm in diameter and stands 9 meters tall.

A unique feature of this cistern is the presence of two Medusa head statues used as column bases, believed to ward off evil spirits and bring good fortune.

Vietnam bank chairman explores million-year-old rock valley in Turkey

Huy visited the Museum of Fine Arts and Sculpture in Istanbul and took photos beneath "İsimlerin Şehri İstanbul", a sculpture by Ahmet Güneştekin located in Galataport.

Huy graduated from Chapman University in the U.S. with a master's degree in business administration in 2002, at the age of 24.

He returned to Vietnam and applied for a job at ACB, where his father Tran Mong Hung was chairman and a co-founder. He spent three years working at the bank before going back to the U.S. to pursue a doctorate degree in economics at the Golden Gate University.

He came back to Vietnam and was appointed deputy CEO of ACB. In 2012, he was promoted to chairman at the age of 34.

Photos courtesy of Tran Hung Huy's Instagram, Onthemars

 
 
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