As expats conclude their annual holidays in Türkiye, many leave their homeland in tears, struggling with emotional goodbyes. A heavy flow of vehicles and passengers at the Kapıkule Border Gate in Edirne reflects the somber return journey of those heading back to their countries of residence.
Kapıkule Border Gate experiences significant congestion as expats opt for land routes to return to Europe. Long vehicle queues are common as they reluctantly leave behind their families and familiar surroundings.
Expats like Gülşen Smith expressed deep sorrow as she bid farewell to her parents, saying, “It’s so painful to leave them behind. We long for the sound of the adhan and our flag. Everything is difficult, especially with the long journey and the heat.”
Melike and Mikail Sayım, another expat couple, shared their experience, noting, “We had a wonderful, though expensive, holiday in Antalya. Now we’re heading back to Cologne, Germany, but leaving family behind is always hard.”
Mehmet Basmacı