Pilgrims from Western Thrace begin journey to holy lands for Hajj
The annual pilgrimage journey from Western Thrace to the holy cities of Islam has officially begun, as the first groups of Hajj pilgrims departed from İskeçe in emotional farewell ceremonies attended by families, religious leaders, and local community members.
The first pilgrimage groups were sent off from the Cinar Mosque under the guidance of religious leaders Abdullah Colak and Saban Kurt.
Emotional Farewell Ceremony Held at Cinar Mosque
A second farewell ceremony took place on Wednesday, May 13, for pilgrims traveling through the REHA Hajj organization under the leadership of Hamdi Bekir.
Following the noon prayer, a special program was organized in the mosque courtyard, where students from the Cinar Mosque and Muhacir Mosque Quran courses performed hymns and recited poems, creating emotional moments among attendees.
The event continued with a Quran recitation by Fatih Koca Ahmet before concluding with prayers led by Mustafa Trampa.
Mufti Calls for Prayers for Western Thrace Muslims
During his speech at the ceremony, Mufti Mustafa Trampa asked the departing pilgrims to remember the Muslim Turkish community of Western Thrace in their prayers while performing the Hajj pilgrimage in the holy lands.
The farewell ceremony concluded with collective takbirs as family members and community representatives bid farewell to the pilgrims.
Additional Pilgrimage Groups Expected to Depart
More pilgrimage groups from İskeçe are expected to depart in the coming days under the guidance of Irfan Sebek and Mehmet Emin Velibasa.
Every year, Muslim communities in Western Thrace organize collective Hajj journeys to Mecca and Medina, with local mosques and religious organizations playing a central role in coordinating the pilgrimage process.
