ISLAMABAD: A group of Pakistani motorcyclists proceeded on an 8,000 km journey, what they they called the ‘Lahore-Istanbul Rally’ to strengthen the bonds of friendship between Pakistan and Türkiye.
Led by Mukaram Tareen, the riders departed Lahore on October 11, traveling through Iran and eventually reaching Istanbul in 18 days.
Tareen, a 57-year-old rider, shared how the historic streets of Istanbul reminded him of Lahore, highlighting the deep-rooted cultural ties between the two cities.
“Pakistan, Iran and Türkiye were 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,” aa.com.tr quoted him as saying.
Tareen said, “Reaching here symbolizes the strong friendship between our two countries. This provided an opportunity to establish a closer bond with our Turkish friends.”
He pointed out that Lahore’s narrow streets and historical texture are similar to Istanbul, and said, “While walking through the streets of Istanbul, we at times felt like we were in Lahore. The people, shops and the old city walls of the city resembles Lahore.”
Emphasizing that eastern Türkiye fascinates them, Tareen said, “People usually only visit big cities like Istanbul or Izmir. However, eastern Türkiye has a unique beauty with its high peaks, snow-capped mountains and villages. The people in eastern Türkiye are very hospitable, kind and sincere. This region is definitely a place we would like to explore again.”
On the people they met along the way, Tareen said, “We travelled 300 to 400kms every day. We had the opportunity to stop and taste local foods and chat with people on the way. We met many motorcyclists from Iran and Türkiye. We invited Turkish motorcyclists to Pakistan and with this trip we aim to promote tourism exchange between both the countries.”
Pointing out the difficulties in going on long journeys, he said that one of their group members had engine problems in Ankara and was stuck there for a while.
Tareen said that the Turkish motorcyclists they met in Türkiye invited them to dinner and thus they had the opportunity to experience Turkish cuisine.
He said that they were planning to visit Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan in their next trip and that this friendly relationship between Pakistan and Türkiye should be expanded to other countries as well.
One of the group members, Munawar Hussain said that he had previously come to Türkiye by air but by coming on a motorcycle gave him a different experience.
“When we come by air, we can only see big cities. But when you travel by motorcycle, you have the chance to explore small towns and villages. We got to know Türkiye more deeply,” Hussain said.
Hussain, said they were very impressed by the hospitality in Türkiye. “We were welcomed very warmly in Iran as well, but in Türkiye, people smile when they hear that 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 noted the similarities between Istanbul and Lahore.
The group members encountered difficulties from time to time throughout the journey, but despite this, they had an enjoyable journey, he said.
They also invited Türkiye 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.
