Belgian revert arrives in Istanbul on his journey to Mecca

🕋🚴 Alexander Lauwers, a 26-year-old Belgian who reverted to Islam in 2018, has arrived in Istanbul as part of his unconventional pilgrimage to Mecca by bicycle. Having been raised in an orphanage, the Belgian decided to combine his long-held dream of performing Umrah with a charitable campaign to raise funds for orphans.

Over the course of 30 days, Lauwers covered approximately 3,000 kilometres across the Netherlands, Greece, and Bulgaria. Following a stop in Istanbul, he will head to Antalya and then continue his bicycle journey through Jordan towards Mecca. According to the traveller, the primary objectives of the trip are to perform Umrah, deepen his faith, and support children in need.