FAMAGUSTA GAZETTE- Syrian pilgrims from across the country are traveling to the Jeddah through Damascus for the first time in 14 years.
Government Minister Mohammed Abu Khayri Shukri told state news agency SANA that 22,500 Syrian pilgrims from Damascus and abroad would reach the holy sites by June 2, traveling on flights from Türkiye and Uzbekistan.
The first pilgrimage convoy departed from Damascus, marking a milestone for Syrian Muslims. Before the fall of the Baath regime, northern Syrian residents traveled to the holy lands through Türkiye.
Aviation official Alaa Sallal said the first group of 247 pilgrims was headed to Jeddah.
Authorities had ensured arrangements for a smooth journey, he said.
Among those departing was 66-year-old Fehmiye Hasan er-Ruz, who arrived at Damascus International Airport with her husband. “Today is our greatest joy. Words cannot describe how we feel,” she said.
“We have waited 14 years for this day. I will pray for all Muslims, for my children, and especially for Syria and Gaza,” she said.