The importance of stamps along the Sufi Trail is in the spotlight thanks to Abdulshakoor Alakkad. Hiking the Sufi Trail from Istanbul to Konya is an incredible experience that offers a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the rich spiritual and cultural heritage of Turkey. One important aspect of the Sufi Trail experience is the Sufi Trail passport and the stamps that come with it, which connect travellers with the people they meet along the way. The Sufi Trail passport, also known as the "Credential," is a vital document that provides access to accommodation facilities located along the route, making it an essential item for any pilgrim embarking on this journey.

As you hike along the Sufi Trail, you will meet many interesting people who share your passion for this spiritual journey. Some of the Sufi Trail friends you might encounter include Ahmet Yiğit in Yalova, Linda Pijl, Ahmet Albayrak before Orhangazi, Tuncay Erik in Osmaneli, and Hakan Yavuz in Bilecik. Sufi Trail latest stamp and service point in Gunuoren is actief as of now, but for the time being only at the weekends.

These fellow Sufi Trail friends will enrich your experience and help you form lasting connections with people from different walks of life. One of the most exciting moments on the Sufi Trail is obtaining your first stamp on your Sufi Trail passport.

The Sufi Trail hiking caravan from Yalova to Söğüt is a truly magical experience that showcases Turkey's rich history and warm hospitality. The caravan is not just about hiking; it is also about team building and creating a sense of community among the participants. The journey takes hikers through breathtaking natural landscapes, including the beautiful Vezirhan, Osmaneli, and Iznik regions. These areas are known for their lush forests, pristine lakes, and stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The Sufi Trail is also part of a larger network of long-distance hiking paths that are gaining in popularity in Turkey. These paths offer a unique opportunity to explore the country's diverse flora and fauna while also promoting ecotourism. The rising trend of ecotourism in Turkey is helping to preserve the natural beauty of the country and provide sustainable economic benefits to local communities. Throughout the caravan, hikers are met with the warm hospitality that Turkey is famous for. Especially the homestays with Linda in Cinarcik and with Zeki and his family in Bereket are very welcoming, offering traditional meals and accommodations to the caravan participants.

This creates a sense of camaraderie among the hikers, as they share stories and experiences while enjoying the beauty of the Turkish countryside. In summary, the Sufi Trail hiking caravan from Yalova to Bilecik is a unique and unforgettable experience that showcases Turkey's natural beauty, warm hospitality, and rich history.

The journey promotes team building and community building among hikers, while also supporting the rising trend of ecotourism in Turkey.

The breathtaking scenery of Vezirhan, Osmaneli, and Iznik regions, combined with the warm hospitality of the locals, makes this caravan a must-visit for any avid hiker and nature lover. We are very thrilled with the second edition of the hiking caravan so far. We are in Bilecik and have improved the marking, enjoyed seeing our friends and our new friends that have joined the caravan of 2023. You can follow our progress in the polarsteps and social media. 

Hikers this year: Edgar Le Bras

Edgar helped to build hiking trail before in Italy and we where really glad to have him on the Sufi Trail this year. It’s significant to have an expert hiker also as he hiked a long way from France to Jerusalem and we are honered he passed the Sufi Trail on his way. He had a great time with our friends and we have received some fun pictures during his hike. We value his view and he shared it with us for future pilgrims to considere.
Edgar says about the Sufi Trail experience the following.

About the Sufi trail experience.

People are really nice to pilgrims, but they don't get the idea of walking, unless I speak about religion. When you say "hac", they understand and respect. That is why I suggest you to have a communication about that (Rumi's life, the way to Jerusalem or to Mekke)

He also has a suggestion for the fellow pilgrims:

So I suggest you meet muhtars and mayors on the way in order to promote what you do. Have a speech about religion first, culture and tourism then, and at last a speech about sport and nature (it is important but not as other subjects, for Turkish people)

Iznik (Nicea) UNESCO site
The history and significance of Iznik (Nicea) as a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Iznik (Nicea) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in northwestern Turkey, just 77 kilometres northeast of central Bursa. The town is situated on the eastern shore of Lake Iznik, surrounded by hills within the Bithynia region Iznik has a rich historical background, dating back 2,400 years when it was known as Nicaea. During the Byzantine period, Iznik became an important religious centre, particularly after Emperor Constantine's conversion to Christianity in 313 AD. Later, Iznik became the first Turkish capital of Anatolia after the city walls were rebuilt, and the city was renamed Iznik, meaning 'the trace of Nicaea'.
The architectural significance of Iznik (Nicea) lies in its many important buildings, which were constructed during different periods of its history. The city was decorated with important architectural buildings and centralized to the Kingdom of Bithynia in 293 BC. During the Ottoman period, Iznik became a significant art, trade, and cultural centre with many mosques, madrases, khans, and baths built. Iznik is also famous for its tiles production, which spread across the Ottoman Empire and to museums around the world. These tiles are considered to be some of the most beautiful in the world and are highly valued for their intricate designs and vibrant colours.

The cultural and artistic importance of Iznik (Nicea) is evident in its 2,400-year-old cultural heritage. Iznik played an essential role in the history of the region and was the capital of four empires. In addition to its architectural and artistic significance, Iznik (Nicea) is also known for its ceramic tiles, which were the basic decorative elements of Seljuk and Ottoman architecture.

As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Iznik (Nicea) is recognized as an important cultural and historical landmark, which attracts visitors from all over the world to learn about its rich history and cultural significance.

The Sufi Trail is a popular hiking trail that offers many benefits to hikers, including physical exercise, emotional relief, and mental relaxation. However, to ensure that hikers have a safe and enjoyable experience, it is crucial to have a well-marked and maintained trail. This is where volunteers play a critical role. Volunteers can help mark the trail, clear debris, and maintain the trail to ensure that hikers have a safe and enjoyable experience. Without volunteers, the trail may not be well marked, which can be dangerous for hikers with advanced hiking skills.

Volunteers can also help ensure that the trail is accessible and that hikers can find their way easily. By maintaining the trail, volunteers can help preserve the natural beauty of the trail and ensure that future generations can enjoy it as well. So, having volunteers on the Sufi Trail is essential for a well-marked and safe hiking experience
Marking journey this autumn 
14-24 September 2023

Join us in our marking efforts as a volunteer.

But why? We have a lot of projects that you support with your donation and of course, it concerns practical matters such as the office, websites, coffee and everything that comes with route maintenance.

What in it for me? We have a lively walking community and together with like-minded people there is a lot of fun and the same interests. And of course, the Sufi Trail magazine VEERTIG, in which travel stories are immortalized in a beautiful way.

Who writes stays. There is room to share your travel story in the magazine, the monthly newsletter and on the website.

What does it cost? €24

Participating in the Sufi Trail community? This year you will receive a special Pilgrim Route Buff if you renew your membership. 

In case you are not yet a member of the Sufi Trail, we do include a special designed Sufi Trail Buff for all orders placed till January 31, 2023.

So don't wait too long if you were already planning to walk with us on one of our pilgrimages in Turkey.

Yes, I like to renew my Sufi Trail subscription and I receive the Sufi Trail buff for free.

I am not a member yet, but like to be a member and support the Sufi trail.

I am a cyclist and I like to be a member and support the Sufi Trail.

Remember all new members gets a free Buff.

Due to the many positive reactions, we can already confirm that the hiking caravan for 2024 dates are set.

The dates are 3th of May till 13th of June 2024!

Would you also like to take a walk or experience the entire 40-day feeling (or part of the Sufi Trail) along the way? Then sign up.

It still seems far away, but before you know it, the seasons will fly by. The date is known, so you can consider whether it fits in your agenda. Check the website for details and last year's experiences.