ISTANBUL 

Prospective pilgrims were bid farewell with prayers at Istanbul Airport before departing for Islam’s holy sites under the organization of Türkiye's Directorate of Religious Affairs.

The ceremony, starting with a recitation from the holy Quran, saw Remzi Bircan, the director General of Hajj and Umrah Services, emphasizing the significance of the pilgrimage journey and Assistant Mufti Arif Cevlek congratulating the pilgrims.

Emotional moments were shared by the pilgrims and their families, who had long awaited this journey.

A 74-year-old man, Ibrahim Polatli, waiting 14 years with his wife, expressed excitement, while Ali Ozer, accompanied by his 84-year-old mother, expressed gratitude for the opportunity.

"I have been waiting to become a pilgrim for 13 years. Allah granted it today. May our Lord grant it to everyone who wants to go. May He grant everyone the opportunity to experience the pilgrimage properly. This year, all our prayers will be for Palestine," said Ozer.

The event concluded with prayers as the pilgrims and officials set off for the holy lands.

*Writing by Gizem Nisa Cebi