Andalusian Hajj Pilgrims: "We Want to Cross the Bosphorus on Horseback and Stroll in Sultanahmet"

Four Andalusian Muslims, traveling an 8,000-k,lometer rout to mecca on horseback, have arrived in İstanbul. Hosted by İZÜ, Abdullah Rafael Hernandez Mancha, Abdelqader Harkassi Aidi, Tarek Rodriguez Fernandez, and Bouchaib Jadil shared their inspiring journey with İZÜ students. They plan to spend Ramadan in İstanbul and, if possible, cross the bridge connecting two continents on horseback, visit Hagia Sophia, and stroll through Sultanahmet.

During their stop in İstanbul Sabahattin Zaim University (İZU), the pilgrims met with students in an event attended by Rector Prof. Dr. Ahmet Cevat Acar and Vice Rector Prof. Dr. İsmail Küçük. İZÜ’s International Students and Relations Coordinator, İlhan Yalım, who had followed the pilgrims for a month, expressed the honor of hosting them in İstanbul. Yalım stated, “Istanbul is significant stop on their journey.”

KOUNOĞLU. ISTANBUL REMAİNS AN IMPORTANT STOP FOR PILGRIMS     

Prof. Dr. Hüseyin Hüsnü Koyunoğlu from İZÜ emphasized Istanbul’s historical significance in pilgrimage journeys, mentioning that pilgrims from regions like Uzbekistan and India used to stop in Istanbul for Surre processions. Istanbul Historically a host for pilgrims, continues to be a central stop for those on their way on Mecca, known as ‘Dersaadet’ (Gate of Blessing).

ACAR: THE LEGACY OF ANDALUSIAN CIVILIZATION IS STILL PRESENT

İZU Rector Prof. Dr. Ahmed Cevat Acar expressed his pleasure in hosting the Andalusian Muslims and Highlighted the continuing legacy of Andalusian civilization. He noted the signitificance of their pilgrimage journey, stating that legacy of a long- gone civilization still influences the present, espacially through Spain’s stance on current global issues like the Palestinian situation.

35 YEARS OF DREAMİNG OF THE PILGRLMAGE

Dr. Abdullah Rafael Hernandez Mancha shared his 35-year- long dream of making the pilgrimage on horseback, a tradation he felt connected to through his study of the Quran. He decided to undertake the journey after a successful geography exam, converting to Islam in the process. After retiring from Seville University, he embarked on this journey with fellow pilgrims Abdelqader Harkassi Aidi, Tarek Rodriguez Fernandez, and Bouchaib Jadil, starting from Spain four months ago.

JOURNEY THROUGH EUROPE INSTEAD OF NORTH AFRICA

Mancha explained that they initially planned to travel via North Africa but shifted to Europe due to road issues in Morocco and Algeria. Their journey through Italy, Bosnia, and other countries has been filled with memorable experiences, including meeting an Italian nationalist who eventually softened his stance on Islam.

“OUR CLOTHES ARE WITNESSES TO OUR JOURNEY”                                         

The pilgrims set off with limited funds, but received support from local Muslims along the way. Mancha highlighted the significance of their worn clothes, which have become symbols of their journey. He also expressed their plans to spend Ramadan in Istanbul, exploring the city on horseback and visiting iconic sites like Hagia Sophia and Sultanahmet.

“WE CANT BRING OUR HORSES BACK TO SPAIN”

Mancha revealed that while they had trained extensively for the journey, they won’t be able to bring their horses back to Spain due to European Union regulations. After completing the pilgrimage, they will fly back to Spain, leaving their horses behind.

AIDI: WHO ELSE BUT CRAZY SPANIARDS?

Abdelqader Harkassi Aidi, a member of the team, humorously likened their journey to Don Quixote's adventures. He shared how the journey, though tough, has been guided by Allah, and he felt honored to be part of it.

JADIL JOINS THE TEAM

Bouchaib Jadil, who joined the group while working at Dr. Mancha’s house, spoke about his role in logistics and how the journey has been the most significant experience of his life.