From Tehran to Toronto via Turkey: An Iranian’s Bid to Flee War
Homa, an Iranian business analyst in Canada, escapes Tehran amidst the Israel-Iran conflict, making her way to Turkey. After an exhausting journey that began when airspace was closed due to bombings, she expresses concern for her family’s safety. Meanwhile, others also travel for various reasons, either aiming to flee or return home, highlighting the tense situation and the personal stories of resilience within an escalating conflict.
An Iranian woman, identified only as Homa, has recently embarked on a challenging journey from Tehran to Toronto, using Turkey as a critical transit point. Homa, 40, found herself trapped in Iran when the Israel-Iran conflict escalated, forcing the government to close airspace following a significant Israeli bombing campaign. While on holiday, she attempted to escape Iran after four days of violence, ultimately opting for a bus journey to the Turkish border, covering about 850 kilometers (530 miles).
Leaving Tehran on Tuesday night, Homa reached the Kapikoy border crossing into the Turkish province of Van the following afternoon. Like many others, her family was also attempting to leave the war-affected capital. They had driven to the nearby town of Shahriar, a 30-kilometer trip that became lengthy due to severe traffic. “They’re not safe, I am worried about them,” she expressed regarding her family’s safety.
Iran reported at least 224 fatalities due to the Israeli airstrikes aimed at its military and nuclear facilities, while Israel stated approximately 24 people died as a consequence of Iran’s retaliatory strikes. Although Homa has completed a significant leg of her journey, she still has more traveling to do before arriving in Toronto. Currently, she plans to travel from Kapikoy to Erzurum, followed by Istanbul, Dubai, and finally, back home to Canada.
The stress of war weighed heavily on her during her time in Tehran. “I couldn’t sleep for five nights in a row” due to the constant sound of incoming missiles. She stressed the difficulty of communicating with her family or checking social media, as internet access was sporadic and required workarounds to connect.
Kapikoy, located 100 kilometers east of Van, serves as a primary crossing point for travelers between Turkey and Iran. Thus far, there has been no dramatic surge in the number of Iranians crossing the border since the start of the recent bombings. Turkish officials have yet to release specific statistics. Reports indicated a steady stream of Iranians crossing, but the volume has remained unchanged compared to last year, according to a Turkish customs official.
Travel options have been limited, with flights between Van and Istanbul fully booked for days and long-distance coach services experiencing increased use. A bus driver named Ismail Metin mentioned, “We used to have three to four buses between 8:00 pm and 8:00 am, but right now we have 30,” noting that Istanbul continued to be a prime destination.
On the same note, others attempt to return home amidst the chaos. Ramin Rad, a 37-year-old tile businessman, shared his experience, stating he felt secure about his family and believed the situation would not destabilize the Iranian regime. “How dare you change Allah’s regime? God willing, Muslims will win,” he asserted, referencing Israel’s actions.
Mirzanezhad Valehzagherd, 49, who often travels between Istanbul and Tehran, had to resort to land travel due to the cancellation of flights. “My family lives in Tehran,” he noted, adding that conditions weren’t dire, as the bombing primarily targeted military areas. “People are not fleeing Tehran,” he insisted, echoing sentiments from others making similar journeys, including a woman named Seher who explained that her transportation difficulties stemmed from a lack of flights. “It’s safe over there. There’s no problem,” she said, reflecting on her circumstances in northern Cyprus.
The ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel has significantly affected many civilians, prompting individuals like Homa to seek alternative travel routes to safety. While reports indicate a stable number of travelers crossing the Turkish border, the war’s implications continue to create concern among families caught in the unrest. As the situation evolves, many Iranians remain hopeful yet cautious, managing their way through difficult travel challenges amidst turmoil. This case highlights not just the personal struggles of those caught in the crossfire of international conflict, but also the resilience of individuals as they navigate an uncertain path back to their homes or families. The overall sentiment reflects a mixture of worry for family safety and the desire to safely reach their destinations, as many Iranians show a strong determination amidst the distressing circumstances.
Original Source: www.yahoo.com
