Ayse Kurucu, a housewife from Izmir and a mother of three children, says that now she finally feels "absolutely free and happy."
Over the course of last ten years, she visited 25 countries. Her fascination was her private hobby until in July she accidentally forgot her camera in the car of a couple who agreed to give her a lift.
Fotoğraf makinesini otostop çektiği araçta unutan Ayşe Kurucu ile onu araçlarına alan Tülin Öztemel ve Emre Öztemel’in hikayesi gülümsetti.. pic.twitter.com/82lerqXAio
— CapaPress (@Capa_Press) 13 декабря 2016 г.
After the woman left, the young people found the camera in their car and looked at the pictures. The photos made by Ayse during her travel amazed them and they decided to post them on social networks to find Aisha and give her the camera back.
After five months of the search, the camera was returned to its host and with it came Ayse's popularity.
Otostop çektiği araçta, adını ’Canım kızım’ koyduğu fotoğraf makinesini unutan Ayşe Kurucu(65), sosyal medya aracılığıyla 'kızına' kavuştu. pic.twitter.com/8esNRTY6Jw
— Gamlı Baykuş (@GamliBaykusMAG) 14 декабря 2016 г.
The images went viral and attracted media attention, with several TV channels even offering Ayse to star in commercials and TV shows.
Ayse knew nothing about her popularity until she received her camera back.
"I was very disappointed when I lost the camera, because it had all pictures taken in those countries where I will never be able to go once again. When these wonderful people have returned it to me, I was so happy. I have now so many acquaintances. I even received an offer to star in commercials and play small roles in TV shows. Actually, in the next couple of days I am going to a shooting," the woman told DHA.
Ayder Yaylası’nda bir çiftin aracına otostop çeken ve fotoğraf makinesini unutan Ayşe teyze bulundu. pic.twitter.com/iZPyZnyYxi
— Burak Doğan (@doganburak29) 13 декабря 2016 г.
Ayse with the family couple that found her camera.
According to Ayse, she is planning to continue traveling as this is a hobby that makes her happy.
Otostop çektiği arabada makinasnı unutan Gezgin Teyze Ayşe Kurucu: “Boşandıktan sonra 25 ülke gezdim. Bekârlık sultanlık değil,imparatorluk” pic.twitter.com/A1yqVLLgJa
— Biliyor muydunuz (@bilio_muydunuz) 15 декабря 2016 г.
"After the divorce, I felt really free. My children grew up, so I could finally fulfill my dream. I love traveling, fnding new experiences. Nothing can be compared with the moment, when you open a new country for yourself. The camera is always with me, it is my most loyal friend during my travels. When I see something beautiful, unusual, interesting, I immediately take pictures. I have visited many countries, and now am dreaming of visiting Spain, China and Japan. Hopefully, I can do it in the spring," the woman said.
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