Istanbul: Turkish pilgrim Bayram, 68, shared his experience with the Saudi Press Agency at Istanbul Airport as he prepared to depart for Hajj via the Makkah Route Initiative, one of the Ministry of Interior's flagship projects under Saudi Vision 2030, which currently operates across 17 international entry points in 10 countries to streamline the journey for pilgrims.

According to Saudi Press Agency, Bayram described learning of his selection for Hajj as a 'rebirth,' filled with a mixture of gratitude and joy. He said his preparations were marked by spiritual reflection and the prayers of his relatives. Carrying the hopes of his loved ones, he added that his luggage felt less like personal belongings and more like preparation for a 'great encounter' in the holiest of places.

Completing his travel procedures through the Makkah Route Initiative, Bayram expressed a deep sense of reassurance regarding the organized and facilitated process. He concluded that the efficiency of the initiative provided him with the certainty that his pilgrimage would be calm and easy, allowing him to focus on the spiritual significance of the journey.