Turkish citizens have been evacuating Lebanon as the conflict between Israel and the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah escalates, leaving behind their homes and loved ones. Eyup Sabri Kirgiz, a 50-year-old Turkish engineer, made the difficult decision to leave Beirut after enduring two weeks of airstrikes that had traumatised his family. Along with his Lebanese wife, children, and mother-in-law, Kirgiz was among hundreds of evacuees brought back to Turkey on two navy ships that docked at the port of Mersin.
Kirgiz shared the harrowing experience of living in fear during the airstrikes, describing sleepless nights and the constant sound of drones overhead. The ongoing conflict in the region has resulted in over 1,400 deaths in Lebanon and forced more than a million people to flee their homes. The evacuees on board the vessels, mostly Turkish citizens and their foreign spouses, spent a 12-hour journey to Turkey’s Mediterranean port of Mersin, accompanied by aid workers who provided food and support.
Despite facing challenges during the evacuation, including the tragic death of a 75-year-old passenger who suffered a heart attack, Kirgiz expressed his deep connection to Beirut and his hopes of returning once the situation calms down. Another couple, Dilber Taleb and her husband Ahmad, who reside in Australia, decided to leave Lebanon amidst the escalating conflict to ensure their safety and peace of mind. The couple reflected on the stress and anxiety of living under constant threat, especially concerning the safety of their family.
Goncagul Udigwe, her Nigerian husband, and their young daughter also chose to leave Lebanon due to escalating tensions and fears of worsening conditions reminiscent of Gaza. Udigwe expressed relief upon returning to Turkey, highlighting the stark contrast between the safety she felt in her own country compared to the dire situation in Lebanon. The evacuation ships arrived back in Turkey, completing a journey that marked the end of a chapter filled with uncertainty and danger for the evacuees.
The evacuations were part of a broader humanitarian effort, with six vessels carrying aid to Lebanon before returning with evacuees. The sound of drones flying above the ships served as a stark reminder of the ongoing conflict in the region. As Turkish citizens mourn the homes and families they left behind in Lebanon, the hope for peace and stability in the Middle East remains a distant yet essential goal for all those affected by the turmoil.