Uzbek pilgrim on bicycle to Mecca gets lost in Kazakhstan

On May 13, an Uzbek man undertaking a pilgrimage to Mecca by bicycle got lost in Kazakhstan’s Mangystau region. Local police officers came to his aid, according to the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Kazakhstan.

During a business trip, Major of Justice Indira Narimbetova and Junior Lieutenant of Justice Marat Ozganov spotted a man lying on the roadside, exhausted and disoriented. Upon approaching, they discovered he had traveled from Uzbekistan to Saudi Arabia to perform the Hajj pilgrimage.

The man had departed from Bukhara on May 3 and had covered thousands of kilometers before getting lost in the Mangystau region, unsure of his exact location.

The officers helped him install navigation apps, guided him on the proper route, and offered advice for safe travel. They also provided financial assistance for his travel expenses. The pilgrim expressed heartfelt gratitude to the officers for their kindness and support.

It should be noted that Saudi authorities impose strict penalties on individuals attempting to perform the Hajj without a valid permit. Those found doing so—or assisting others—may face fines of up to 20,000 Saudi riyals (approximately \$5,300), and the same penalty applies to holders of visit visas who attempt to enter or remain in Mecca and other holy sites during the restricted period.

Previously, it was reported that the first group of Uzbek pilgrims had departed for the Hajj. A farewell ceremony was held at Tashkent International Airport with the participation of Mufti Sheikh Nuriddin Kholiknazar, Chairman of the Committee for Religious Affairs Sodiqjon Toshboyev, religious scholars, imams, officials, and media representatives.