🌆 What Were the Streets Like in Kayseri Years Ago?
When I was a child, the world was a very different place—especially in my hometown, Kayseri, Turkey. We didn’t have smartphones, tablets, or the internet everywhere like you do now. Streets back then were noisy, full of life, and filled with the laughter and shouts of children. Today, those same streets are mostly empty and quiet. Kids now spend most of their time indoors, playing on phones and computers.
But back in my day, especially during the summer, once the midday heat faded and the cooler evening breeze rolled in, the streets would come alive. You’d hear children shouting to each other, mothers calling their kids home. If someone was missing, we’d just shout louder:
“Ahmettttttt!” — No answer.
“Ameeeeeet!” — Still no reply.
We’d call again and again until we found each other.
The sound of football bouncing off the pavement was everywhere. We played all kinds of games:
- Hide and seek
- Dodgeball
- “Met” – a local game with a stick and object
- Rolling tyres with a stick
Almost every boy had a tyre to roll. Girls usually didn’t play that one. They preferred skipping rope or joined us in hide and seek or dodgeball.
Of course, kids today still play team games. But the feeling of street culture has faded. You rarely hear the joyful noise of children in alleyways after sunset. Streets have become quiet. Sports have moved into gyms, stadiums, and official clubs. Maybe that’s how it had to be.
Still, I sometimes miss the old days. Because somehow... we were happier.
🗨️ What about you?
What games did you play as a child?
Were your streets ever filled with laughter and adventure too?