Sufi Trail

Sufi Trail is a mystical route of walking, biking and cultural tourism which follows the old Ottoman Hajj pilgrimage route to Mecca. The story of Hajj pilgrimage journey, which has been alive for more than thousand years in the landscape and memory of this region, is shared by millions of people in the world today. This route is traditionally used by dwelling dervishes on their way to Konya and further on to Jerusalem and Mecca. In 801 kilometres, the Sufi Trail visits many Sufi saints and passes spiritual, natural and historical highlights. Retracing this journey provides a place of meeting with people of all faiths and cultures. It invites us to remember our common origins, to respect our cultural differences and to recognize our shared heritage. Sufism will be one of the uniting soft powers.

Sufi Trail also serves as a catalyst for sustainable tourism and economic development: It is a platform for the energy and idealism of young people. It focuses on positive media in highlighting the rich culture and hospitable people of Turkey, Middle Eastern and Central Asian countries.

Thanks to the generous welcome extended by host communities along the way, all walking and biking sections of the Sufi Trail are open for travellers. Please check the latest information on the Sufi Trail website

As the path unfolds, we invite you to join us in the mystical endeavour..

– Sedat Çakır and Iris Bezuijen

Signposting/Marking

Sufi Trail has GR-signs on rocks, walls, etc. We also marked green arrows with spray cans and paint. There are also stickers and signs that are designed to be spotted immediately.

GR-signs (white-red long-distance route lines) are internationally recognized and implemented in the Sufi Trail.

You can contribute to the Sufi Trail marking work. Groups of 1 to 4 persons can use a single colour and make green arrows. For larger groups you can make a 3 colour marks with white, red, and green. Please contact the Sufi Trail for further information.

Governorates, prefectures, municipalities, villages, companies along the way, shops and private individuals can design their own signs and stickers. Sufi Trail can provide basic art-work for your own design and stickers.