Ramadan Eid El Fitr Mubarak 2024/1445 is a significant religious celebration for Muslims around the world, marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan. It is a time of joy, gratitude, and reflection, where families and communities come together to pray, feast, and exchange gifts. During this auspicious occasion, Muslims express their devotion to Allah and strengthen their bonds with loved ones through acts of charity and kindness. The festive atmosphere of Eid El Fitr is characterized by vibrant decorations, delicious traditional foods, and the sharing of sweets with friends and neighbors.

As we celebrate Ramadan Eid El Fitr Mubarak 2024/1445, I would like to extend a heartfelt invitation to outdoor enthusiasts to explore the breathtaking long-distance Sufi Trail in Türkiye. The Sufi Trail offers a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the natural beauty and spiritual heritage of the region, following in the footsteps of ancient mystics and connecting with the rich cultural tapestry of Turkey. Whether you are seeking a peaceful retreat or a challenging adventure, the Sufi Trail promises a memorable journey filled with scenic landscapes, historical sites, and encounters with local traditions.

Embark on a soul-enriching pilgrimage along the Sufi Trail and experience the tranquility of nature, the warmth of Turkish hospitality, and the spiritual resonance of this sacred path. Join fellow travelers from around the world in a shared exploration of Turkey's diverse landscapes and deep-rooted spiritual legacy. As you traverse the Sufi Trail, you will have the opportunity to reflect on the teachings of Sufi mystics, connect with the essence of Islamic spirituality, and forge lasting memories in the heart of Türkiye.

Celebrate the joyous occasion of Ramadan Eid El Fitr Mubarak 2024/1445 by embarking on a transformative journey along the Sufi Trail in Türkiye. Immerse yourself in the beauty of nature, the richness of Turkish culture, and the serenity of spiritual discovery as you traverse this ancient pathway of pilgrimage and contemplation. Eid Mubarak!.

Hiking caravan
Sufi Trail walking caravan to the light 2024 is fully booked. We will start our pilgrimage on 3rd May in Yalova. We are so grateful with so many beautiful people walking with us on the Sufi trail pilgrimage to Rumi. 
Next year, in 2025, the last caravan to the light will depart from Yalova to Konya. If you would like to come along, you can register before 2025. We start on May 2 and return home on June 12. It is always possible to last shorter or, for example, only the last part. You can register online via this link: 2025 Sufi Trail, caravan to the light.
Maximum number of participants 12. Free spots 8 

Bicycle caravan
Sufi Trail cycling caravan to the light 2024 is fully booked. We will start our pilgrimage on 27th of September in Yalova. There are no spots left for 2024. 
We have opened the registration for 2025 bicycle caravan to the light. 
Dates 26th of September 2025 with arrival in Konya on 9th of October. After 1 day rest we continue on 11th of October over the Taurus mountains to Adana and finally to Antakya. We deliberately keep the bicycle caravan small with 12 participants, so that we are flexible in the exciting cycling adventure. Everyone carries their own sleeping gear, so we are free to move in the Taurus Mountains. 2025 bicycle caravan to the light
Maximum number of participants: 12

An incredible story of a French family. Suddenly, we received a message from Marion D. She said that they were in Istanbul and wanted to cycle the Sufi Trail. This family with three children and a baby travels a lot. We thought it was cold, but of course we wanted to help them right away. No sooner said than done.
What a cool family, two children cycle the Sufi Trail themselves and the baby was allowed to stay with dad. The pictures don't lie, they really cycled straight through Anatolia, snow and all. And then also camping. Great respect for the family, they continue towards Kaş on the Turkish south coast. The children love it and as we have often seen with a family, the children get energy for ten during the trip.
Here is the link with their Sufi Trail story, it is in French, but with Google Translate you can now convert everything to the desired language. Read their blog here

We already knew it was special that our friend from Egmond-Binnen was an extraordinary hiker… He typically wakes up at early sunrise, hikes till at the latest four o’clock in the afternoon, and sleeps where he gets invited or if necessary outside. He already said it’s the last option but also no problem. Not only that, but he hiked from home in the Netherlands from one of the holy sources that we visit weekly, passed Konya. He connected the holy source on the Sufi Trail with the one in Sille near the Devil's Bridge.  Only this year, Cor now reached as far as Mecca. He hiked his last stretch from Kuwait to Mecca and passed many brothers and sisters. The last hike towards Mecca was to enhance the brotherhood between beliefs. He hiked to show that as a Christian, he is welcomed in Muslim homes and countries as a brother. This fraternisation inspired Cor to make a film about the last hike, where he for the first time slept outside for one night because he turned down three invites. As the warm welcomes and love he received from all his brothers and sisters, he wanted to show the world what the real connection is between people, and that all the propaganda and media have nothing to do with the journey of life we all walk. Cor’s hike shows that with every step towards Mecca, the deeper meaning of Cor’s journey is revealed. 

Last year, Fatih Kilic cycled the Sufi Trail and made a Podcast about his journey!
Fatih's podcast is in the Turkish language. 
We hope his podcast will contribute to more awareness about cycling in Türkiye and on cycling on the Sufi Trail.

 

Sufi Trail's spiritual father left for the spirit realm

Mohamed El-Fers was not just a dear friend, but also an inspirational figure for all the routes that were developed. His presence was truly impactful, and his absence has left a noticeable void in the lives of many. It is often in moments of loss that we fully grasp the significance of someone in our lives, and Mohamed El-Fers was undoubtedly a significant part of the community. His heritage is vast, reflecting a rich tapestry of traditions, values, and experiences that continue to resonate with those who knew him. In honouring his memory, it is fitting that a special tribute will be paid to him during the next year's Sufi Trail hiking caravan.
The decision to organise a hike to visit Mohamed El-Fers' shrine in Akören, Türkiye, demonstrates people's deep respect and admiration for him. This pilgrimage to his final resting place symbolizes the enduring impact he had on those around him and the legacy he leaves behind. By embarking on a journey to his shrine, participants will not only pay their respects but also celebrate his life and the contributions he made to the community on so many levels. His little green book, a mini-biography of Mevlana Rumi alone, is a legacy in the Netherlands. And he left us with so many treasures, we’re still discovering all his hidden talents through his big variety of friends in all corners of life.
The act of hiking for three additional days after the Sufi Trail hiking caravan is a poignant gesture that underlines the profound influence Mohamed El-Fers had on shaping the routes and experiences of hikers. It is a way to extend his legacy through shared experiences and a shared connection to the trails he helped develop. This extended hike serves as a tribute to his memory and a way to keep his spirit alive in the hearts of those who knew him.
Mohamed El-Fers was a cherished individual whose impact on the community and the routes developed is immeasurable. The upcoming hike to his shrine in Türkiye is not just a physical journey but a spiritual one, honouring his memory, legacy, and the enduring bond he shared with all those who had the privilege of knowing him.

Due to the many positive reactions, we can already confirm that the hiking caravan for 2024 is full. You can still join next year, but also this will be the last time the hiking caravan runs. After 2025 we hope that the Sufi Trail is established and well-marked for individual hikers or groups. We of course will keep the trail in maintenance and update the guidebooks.

The dates for 2025 
2nd of May till 12th of June

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 into your agenda. Check the website for details and last year's experiences.

For the cycling caravan 2024, there is still one spot left and for the next year, you can book online. Note that 2025 is also the last change to join this event. The cycling groups are set to a limit of 8 persons.

Further to Mecca,

From Europe, our sister hiking and cycling organization Sultans Trail gives you an excellent connection from Vienna, Austria to Istanbul in Türkiye. You follow the traces of the Romans, Ottomans and local heroes.

From Istanbul to Konya you hike and cycle on quite well-marked paths of the Sufi Trail. Sufi Trail guardians help you on your pilgrimage to Rumi.

From Konya on, you follow the Mecca trail to the Syrian border, we have a GPX for Jordan and a route towards Mecca. We hope to develop this in due time.

Going to Asia, you can try the lesser-developed Rumi Trail. We have a cycled GPX in Türkiye from Kilis towards Konya.

Volunteers of these trails are happy to assist you where possible with your preparations.