Burak Öztürk cycling from Germany to Mecca welcomed warmly in Komotini

In a remarkable act of devotion, 26-year-old Burak Öztürk, a Turkish youth from Stuttgart, Germany, has embarked on a journey of over 6,000 kilometers by bicycle to fulfill his pilgrimage to Mecca (Hajj). On the 43rd day of his journey, Öztürk arrived in Komotini (Gümülcine), a city in Western Thrace with a large ethnic Turkish population, where he received a warm and heartfelt welcome.

Journey Across Seven Countries
Beginning in Germany, Öztürk has so far cycled through Austria, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Kosovo, and North Macedonia, before reaching Greece. His mission: to combine physical endurance with spiritual commitment, crossing borders and forging connections along the way.

Warm Welcome from Local Turkish Youth
On Friday, April 4, Burak Öztürk was hosted in Komotini by members of the local Turkish minority, including Fatih Sar Hasan from Bağlar neighborhood, Serdar Osman from Büyük Müsellim village, Akın Salih Kâmil from Domruköy, Mustafa Mustafa from Karacaoğlan village, and Taha Tuna, originally from Erzincan, now residing in Komotini.

The group shared food and coffee with Öztürk, listened to his experiences on the road, and discussed the spiritual and personal significance of his pilgrimage. Together, they also visited cultural and historical sites around the city.

A Spiritual Stop in Komotini
Öztürk performed the evening prayer (Maghrib) at the Yeni Mosque and the night prayer (Isha) at the Eski Mosque, two of Komotini’s most significant mosques. He spent the night in the city and was deeply touched by the hospitality and support shown by the local youth.

On the morning of Saturday, April 5, Burak Öztürk resumed his journey toward Türkiye, continuing his long road to Mecca by bicycle—a powerful symbol of faith, endurance, and cross-border unity.