From Tehran to Toronto via Turkey: An Iranian’s Bid to Flee War

As the Iran-Israel conflict escalates, Homa, a business analyst in Canada, undertakes a challenging journey from Tehran to Turkey and eventually aims for Toronto. Stranded due to the closure of airspace, she finds alternative land routes but faces logistical hurdles and concerns over her family’s safety. Despite the turmoil, some travelers remain confident in the stability of their home country.

Homa, a 40-year-old Iranian business analyst currently working in Canada, is making a daunting journey to flee the escalating conflict between Iran and Israel. She arrived at the Turkish border after navigating a complex route from Tehran, where she had been vacationing just as the hostilities commenced. The closure of Iranian airspace due to the heightened tension left her scrambling for alternatives, and she managed to secure a bus to Turkey’s northwestern border, covering a distance of about 850 kilometers in four days.

After her departure from Tehran at 8:00 PM on Tuesday, Homa crossed into Turkey at the Kapikoy border, located in the eastern province of Van, on Wednesday afternoon. Many others have also sought to leave Tehran, including Homa’s family, who faced heavy traffic on their way to Shahriar, a nearby town. “They’re not safe, I am worried about them,” she expressed, reflecting the distress many feel in these turbulent times.

Reports indicate that at least 224 individuals have died from the Israeli attacks focused on Iran’s military capabilities, while Israel has reported 24 fatalities due to Tehran’s retaliation. Although Homa is on her way to Toronto, she still has a long journey ahead, with stops planned in Erzurum, Istanbul, Dubai, and finally, Toronto.

Struggling to cope with the ongoing conflict, Homa mentioned, “I couldn’t sleep for five nights in a row,” attributing her insomnia to the constant sound of missiles. The communication situation has also been dire, as she struggled to maintain connectivity. “The internet is awful. I couldn’t even get the VPN working,” she lamented, noting that social media platforms have been severely restricted.

Kapikoy serves as a primary crossing point between Turkey and Iran, but reports suggest the influx of Iranians crossing the border is not as significant as might be expected given the current hostilities. Turkish customs officials noted that the flow of arrivals remains stable and consistent with previous years, despite the heightened fears. On Wednesday afternoon, a steady stream of Iranian travelers was observed, with a similar number of individuals returning to Iran.

The sudden demand for travel has also pushed transportation services to their limits. According to a Turkish bus driver, Ismail Metin, the volume of passengers has surged. “We used to have three to four buses between 8:00 PM and 8:00 AM, but right now we have 30,” he reported, with many passengers en route to Istanbul, which is about 1,500 kilometers away.

In contrast to the narratives of panic, some Iranians remain confident. Ramin Rad, a businessman in the tile industry, expressed optimism regarding the stability of the Iranian regime despite the conflict. “My family is safe,” he claimed, appearing unfazed by the war. “How dare you change Allah’s regime? Godwilling, Muslims will win,” he stated.

Mirzanezhad Valehzagherd, another traveler, mentioned the challenges he faced while trying to return to Tehran from Istanbul amidst flight cancelations. He described the situation in his city as “not bad,” arguing that residents are not fleeing in panic. A woman returning to northern Cyprus mirrored his sentiment, emphasizing safety, stating, “It’s safe over there. There’s no problem.”

The conflict between Iran and Israel has forced many Iranians like Homa to embark on arduous journeys to escape the violence. Although some individuals demonstrate confidence in the stability of their homeland, reports reveal the tragic toll of the war, with casualties mounting on both sides. As travelers navigate border crossings and limited communication, the dire situation continues to evolve, leaving many families in uncertainty about their future.

Original Source: www.yahoo.com