Turkey-Syria land route reopens for Umrah pilgrimages

Land-based Umrah pilgrimages from Turkey have seen a significant resurgence following the reopening of transit routes through Syria. The land route, which connects Turkey, Syria, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia, had been entirely closed to transit and tours since the start of the Syrian civil war in 2011.

Following the fall of the Assad regime and the subsequent opening of roads by the new administration, travelers are increasingly choosing the overland journey. Beyond reaching the holy sites, pilgrims are utilizing the route to visit historical and touristic landmarks in Syria and Jordan, including the Hejaz Railway in Wadi Rum.

Participants have described the journey as both a profound personal experience and an educational opportunity to observe Islamic history and geography firsthand.