- ‘Lahore-Istanbul Rally’ Motorcyclists Promote Friendship, Connectivity, Tourism between Pakistan, Iran, Turkiye
- The motorcyclists group was led by Mukaram Tareen, a renowned traveler
- ‘Lahore-Istanbul Rally’ was organized by Cross Route Club of Pakistan
- The group traveled approximately 8,000 kilometers, explored culture, food and hospitality
By: Muhammad Arif, Editor NSN.Asia
Islamabad: Some 8 Pakistani motorcyclists, traveling approximately 8,000 kilometers from Lahore, passing through many cities of Iran, have arrived into Turkey to accomplish their tourism promotional campaign called ‘Lahore-Istanbul Rally’, organized by Cross Route Club of Pakistan to strengthen Pakistan-Turkiye friendship.
The motorcyclists group, led by Mukaram Tareen, who reached their target of Istanbul after 18 days, took a friendship tour in Fatih and told the AA correspondent about the difficulties they encountered, the unforgettable moments and their feelings along the way.
The 57-year-old group leader Tareen stated that they started their journey from Lahore on October 11 and went to Iran and then to Turkey at the end of Oct.2024.
Tareen said, “Pakistan, Iran and Turkey are friendly Islamic countries and our culture, food and friendships are based on hundreds of years of history. Istanbul is a deep-rooted city like Lahore, so we wanted to continue this journey to Istanbul.”
Tareen, who touched on the meaning of reaching Istanbul after a difficult journey, said, “Reaching here symbolizes the strong friendship between the two countries. This provided an opportunity to establish a closer bond with our Turkish friends.”
Tareen pointed out that the narrow streets and historical texture of Lahore were similar to Istanbul and said, “While walking through the narrow streets of Istanbul, we felt like we were in Lahore at times. The people, shops and the old city walls of the city resemble Lahore.”
“Eastern Turkey has a unique beauty”
Emphasizing that eastern Turkey fascinates them, Tareen said, “People usually only visit big cities like Istanbul or Izmir. However, eastern Turkey has a unique beauty with its high peaks, snow-capped mountains and villages. The people in eastern Turkey are very hospitable, kind and sincere. This region is definitely a place we would like to explore again.”
Tareen, who stated that they met many people along the way, said, “We travel 300 to 400 kilometers every day. We have the opportunity to stop and taste local foods and chat with people on the way. We met many motorcyclists from Iran and Turkey. We invited Turkish motorcyclists to Pakistan and with this trip we aim to encourage tourism exchange between the two countries.”
Tareen, who pointed out that there are many difficulties in long journeys by motorcycle, explained that one person in their group had engine problems in Ankara and stayed there for a while.
Tareen, who noted that the Turkish motorcyclists they met in Turkey invited them to dinner, said that they had the opportunity to experience Turkish cuisine.
Their next destination is Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, the group leader stated.
Tareen, who expressed that they hoped that this rally would not only be a personal trip but would also lead to stronger tourism cooperation between the two countries, said, “Turkey has a large tourism economy. We think that Pakistan should also carry out protection and restoration work for our historical sites. Gaining experience from Turkey in this regard will increase our tourism potential.”
“People smile when they hear we come from Pakistan”
Munawar Hussain (43), one of the group members, also stated that he had previously come to Turkey by air and that coming by motorcycle this time offered him a different experience.
Hussain said, “When we come by air, we can only see big cities. However, when you travel by motorcycle, you have the chance to explore small towns and villages. We got to know Turkey more deeply.”
Hussain said that they were very impressed by the hospitality in Turkey and said, “We were welcomed very warmly in Iran as well, but in Turkey, people smile when they hear we come from Pakistan. Turks see Pakistan as a brother country and this makes us feel very good.”
Abu Bakar Cheema, 31, who lives in Medina, Saudi Arabia, also drew attention to the similarities between Istanbul and Lahore.
Cheema, who stated that the group members encountered difficulties from time to time during the journey, noted that they had a pleasant journey despite this.
They invited Turkish citizens to Pakistan.
At the end of the interview, group members invited Turkish citizens to visit Pakistan and discover its cultural richness, pointing out that with such events, the people of the two countries will come closer to each other and cultural ties will be strengthened thanks to tourism.
After an 18-day adventure covering approximately 8,000 kilometers from Lahore to Istanbul celebrated the successful completion of their ‘Lahore-Istanbul Rally.’
Tareen emphasized the cultural similarities between the two cities and the warm hospitality they received along the way, highlighting their desire to promote tourism exchanges.
On arrival in Istanbul, Pakistan envoy to Turkiye, Dr Yousaf Junaid, hosted the motorcyclists from Cross Route Club of Pakistan, lauding the expedition ‘Lahore Istanbul Rally’ for fostering the friendship, cultural exchanges and the connectivity under the Silk Road spirit of mutual cooperation.
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