Journey home: Turkish expatriates’ overland route from Europe to Türkiye
Expatriate Turkish citizens living in many European countries and coming to spend their summer holidays in their homeland at customs border gates, Türkiye, July 10, 2024 (Photo by IHA)
Every summer, Turks living in Europe eagerly return to Türkiye to spend their holidays with family, embrace cultural traditions, and introduce their children to their roots. With summer vacations beginning in schools across Germany and other European countries, the traffic on the “Sila Road” (Homeland Road) has reached an all-time high.
From mid-June onward, approximately 800,000 Turks from Europe have crossed the border into Türkiye, with the number expected to double when accounting for air travelers. This unprecedented influx highlights the strong emotional and cultural ties that European Turks maintain with their homeland.
Between June 22 and July 9, 141,478 vehicles and 562,834 passengers entered through the Kapikule, Pazarkule, Hamzabeyli and Ipsala border gates.
Kapikule Border Gate, a key entry point into Türkiye, has witnessed significant congestion, particularly on weekends. To facilitate smoother passage, 24 lanes have been opened.
Authorities, who had previously reduced processing times and wait periods in past years, have implemented similar measures this year. The nearly complete motorway route through Bulgaria has also made road travel more appealing, contributing to the surge in overland traffic.
Main reasons for the journey
For many Turkish expatriates, these journeys are about strengthening cultural bonds and ensuring their children are familiar with Turkish culture. The increased traffic underscores Türkiye’s enduring appeal as a destination for its citizens abroad.
The measures taken at border crossings and on the roads are crucial for making these journeys quicker and more hassle-free.
Travel by car train
Some expatriates opt for car trains to make the long journey more comfortable. From Villach in Austria to Türkiye, the car train covers 1,400 kilometers through Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia, and Bulgaria, arriving at the Kapikule Train Station after approximately 32 hours.
This mode of travel allows expatriates to rest and relax while their vehicles are transported.
Turkish police on duty
To assist Turkish citizens traveling through Serbia, Turkish police officers have been stationed at several border crossings as part of the “Sila Yolu Project.”
These officers help expedite the processing of the nearly 2 million Turkish expatriates who use these crossings annually and prevent illegal migration and travel with forged documents.
Additionally, the Presidency for Turks Abroad and Related Communities continues to support Turkish expatriates at the borders throughout the summer.
Airport concerns and preparations
Last year, Germany’s airports faced significant disruptions due to staff shortages, leading to flight cancellations and baggage delays.
This year, airport authorities, including those in Frankfurt and Dusseldorf, have ramped up hiring to prevent a repeat of these issues.
Safety tips for road travelers
Crash experts advise travelers to ensure their vehicles are well-maintained, avoid weekend travel when possible, take breaks every two hours, and keep minimal cash on hand.
Travelers are also reminded to carry essential documents like valid passports, driver’s licenses, vehicle registration, and international insurance (Green Card).
An expert from Randstad advises travelers to verify their health insurance coverage for Türkiye and transit countries. This includes ensuring travel insurance covers medical expenses and other potential issues like lost baggage.
Traffic insurance insights
Having comprehensive insurance, including legal, comprehensive (kasko), and passenger insurance, is crucial for road travelers.
These insurances protect against various risks, including accidents and legal disputes. Additionally, ensuring you have travel insurance for health coverage abroad is vital.
What to do in case of accident?
In the unfortunate event of a traffic accident, it’s important to fill out the European Accident Statement form, contact your insurance’s emergency service, report to the police, take photos of the scene, and obtain witness details. Preserving all related documents and expenses is essential for claiming insurance and protecting your legal rights.
This journey, marked by both logistical preparations and emotional significance, reflects the deep-rooted connections Turkish expatriates maintain with their homeland, making each summer a vibrant and culturally rich season for Türkiye.
