Martyrs of Minab Cycling Caravan in Qazvin: Turkish Riders' Account of Post-War Iran

Qazvin - Members of the Martyrs of Minab cycling caravan, during their trip to Iran and visit to Qazvin, described the Iranian people's steadfastness against aggression by the United States and the Zionist regime, and the innocence of the child martyrs of Minab and Qazvin.

Ambassador Arjan of the Provinces Group: cycling from Türkiye to Minab for the members of the Minab martyrs cycling caravan is not just a long journey between two countries; This caravan moves with the names of children whose memory is tied to one of the most bitter events of the war.

The destination of this trip is Shajre Tayyaba Minab School; Where the names of its martyrs have become a symbol of the suffering of children in war. The members of this convoy, while passing through different cities of Iran, got acquainted with the history and civilization of this land, with people's narratives about the 40-day war, the attacks of America and the Zionist regime, and the resistance of the Iranian society.

The presence of these Turkish cyclists in Qazvin is an opportunity to talk about their experience of traveling in Iran; An experience that, according to the caravan members, is different from the common images of a war-torn country. They talk about a society that continues its daily life despite war and sanctions, and its people continue to emphasize their historical identity and the right to defend their land.

Meanwhile, the memory of the martyrs of Minab and the children who were victims of war is the common axis that connects this sports trip to a human narrative of the suffering of civilians and the resistance of a nation.

Yaldan Akblot: Iran's civilization cannot be destroyed by threats

Yeldan Akblot, one of the members of the Minab martyrs cycling caravan, in an interview with Mehr reporter, referring to his experience of being in different cities of Iran, said: Along this route, we got to know a civilization that has deep historical roots and its people have preserved their identity and authenticity despite all the difficulties.

He added: What was important for us in this trip was not only seeing the cities and attractions of Iran, but we had the opportunity to communicate with the people of this country and get to know their culture, lifestyle and spirit. This experience showed that Iran cannot be known only by war news and images presented from outside.

Referring to the threats raised against Iran and the claims about the destruction of this country's civilization, this Turkish cyclist said: When you face the people of Iran closely, you realize what kind of background this nation has and how much it adheres to its identity. A civilization that has been formed over centuries and survived through historical ups and downs, will not be destroyed by threats and war.

Akblot continued: What we observed in this trip was people standing and continuing to live in different cities. The threats have not been able to separate the people of Iran from their identity and land, and this issue was very significant for us.

He pointed out: Direct communication with the people shows the realities of a country more clearly than one-sided narratives. We saw Iran closely on this route; Iran, whose people continue to live, work and hope for their future despite the difficulties.

Mustafa Ulsar: Iranian people stood up against aggression

Mustafa Ulsar, another member of the cycling caravan of Minab Martyrs, in an interview with Mehr reporter, referring to the 40-day war and the attacks of America and the Zionist regime against Iran, stated that attacking a country and imposing war on its people is not a defensible action, and the military aggression against Iran has faced the people of this country with many difficulties.

He added: "During this trip, what was important for us was observing the realities of Iranian people's lives closely. We passed through different cities and met people who continue their lives in spite of difficult conditions and resist pressures and threats.

Ulsar pointed out that the war and sanctions have not been able to stop life in Iran and said: The news may present an image of a country where war has engulfed all aspects of its life, but what we saw on our way was a society in which life flows. People are engaged in their daily activities and besides that, they have a point of view and a position about the events that have happened in their country.

This member of the Turkish convoy continued: Iranian people did not remain silent in the face of aggression, and what we observed closely showed their resistance. Sanctions and war may cause problems, but they cannot alone destroy the will of a nation.

Referring to the purpose of this convoy to reach Minab, he noted: The movement with the name of martyrs of Minab is an opportunity to keep alive the memory of children who were victims of war. The suffering of ordinary people, especially children, should not be allowed to be forgotten in the midst of political and military narratives.

Genghis Yarkech: War victims are not forgotten

Chingiz Yarkach, one of the other members of the Minab Martyrs cycling caravan, in an interview with Mehr reporter, referring to his experience of visiting the cities of Iran, said: In this trip, we not only got to know the cities and civilization of Iran, but we also heard about the sufferings that the people of this country suffered during the war and got to know their living environment closely.

Referring to the name of the caravan and its destination in Minab, he added: "We have moved with the name of Martyrs of Minab, and reaching Shajre Tayyaba School means more to us than the end of an athletic path." When the names of children and students who lost their lives during the war are mentioned, it is no longer just a matter of differences between governments; It is about the lives of human beings who should be protected from any violence and attack.

Referring to the martyrs of children and minors of Qazvin, Yarkach said: It is very painful to hear the news of the martyrdom of children, both in Minab and Qazvin. Children should not be victims of war, and no child should lose their lives due to conflicts they had no part in creating. The memory of these children should be kept alive so that the people of the world pay more attention to the human consequences of war.

Condemning the attacks of America and the Zionist regime against Iran, this Turkish cyclist stated: What happened against the people of Iran brought suffering and damage. But in the cities we passed through, life was still going on. People continued their daily work and activities, and at the same time, they were concerned about the war and the attacks.

He continued: In dealing with the Iranian people, we felt the spirit of resistance and opposition to aggression. These people do not want to give in to threats and pressure. What we saw was not a society in which life has stopped; People move forward with their lives and look to the future.

Referring to the importance of conveying the observations of this trip to the people of Türkiye, Yarkce noted: We want to narrate what we have seen to the people of our country; From the civilization and culture of Iran, from the people who stand despite the difficulties and from the children who are victims of the war. The memory of the martyrs of Minab and the martyred children of Qazvin should be known beyond the borders, because the suffering of children is not limited to one country and addresses the conscience of all people.

A narrative beyond pedaling; The message of resistance and empathy

Turkish cycling caravan of Minab Martyrs, passing through different cities of Iran and moving towards Minab Shajre Tayyeh School, travels a path where sports, cultural awareness and remembrance of war victims are linked together. The members of this caravan in Qazvin spoke about their observations about Iranian civilization and people's lives and emphasized the importance of knowing the realities of Iranian society closely.

Emphasizing the memory of the martyrs of Minab and the martyred children of Qazvin also highlights the human dimension of this journey; Children whose names and memories can remember the consequences of war for civilians beyond geographical borders. On its way to Minab, this caravan will carry the story of the Iranian people who continue their daily lives while enduring the hardships of war and embargo. A narrative that its members hope to share with the people of their country after returning to Türkiye; A narrative of civilization, standing and the need to protect children's lives in any situation.