Ankara, April 18 – The first group of pilgrims heading to the holy lands under the organization of the Directorate of Religious Affairs was sent off from Esenboğa Airport with prayers and tears. The ceremony, held at the Esenboğa Airport Departure Terminal, was attended by officials from the Directorate of Religious Affairs, pilgrims, and their relatives.
Emotional Farewell at Esenboğa Airport
Deputy Head of Religious Affairs, Ahmet İshak Demir, addressed the pilgrims at the ceremony, wishing them a safe journey and return. Demir stated that approximately 2 million people in Turkey have registered for Hajj, but only about 85,000 were granted the opportunity this year. He added that 147,000 people are on the waiting list in Ankara, with 6,500 from Ankara going on Hajj this year. The first convoy departed today, and the first group of pilgrims is expected to return to Ankara on June 1.
Thousands of Pilgrims to Depart from Ankara
Demir also announced that an additional 11,500 pilgrims from surrounding provinces would depart for the holy lands from Esenboğa Airport, with a total of 39 convoys leaving from Ankara.
Pilgrims Share Their Joy and Excitement
Rahime Yıldız, a pilgrim, expressed her immense joy at being able to go on Hajj after waiting for 16 years. Ayfer Kızılkaya also shared her happiness, stating, “This journey is completely different. I want to fly like birds. We are going as sinners, may Allah grant us a pure return. Our prayers will always be for the Ummah of Muhammad. May Allah grant this to those who have not yet been.”
Hasan Hüseyin Akkuş recounted how their names were drawn in 2024 but they couldn’t go due to his wife’s illness. Their names were drawn again this year, and Akkuş emphasized their excitement for the pilgrimage.
Prayers and Emotional Send-off
At the end of the ceremony, Ankara Mufti Hasan Çınar offered prayers for the pilgrims. The pilgrims in the first convoy, along with officials from the Directorate of Religious Affairs, completed their passport control and procedures before being sent off with prayers and tears.
A total of 6,500 pilgrims from Ankara are expected to go to the holy lands this year.
