Bishkek, May 11, 2026. /Kabar/. The first group of pilgrims from Kyrgyzstan departed from Osh International Airport for Medina on May 10. This was reported by the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of the Kyrgyz Republic.
According to administration, the farewell ceremony was attended by Mufti Abdulaziz Kary Zakirov, Saudi Arabian Ambassador to the Kyrgyz Republic Iyad bin Ghazi Hakim, representatives of the National Agency for Religious Affairs, as well as religious figures and qazis of the Osh region and Osh city.
It was reported that 180 pilgrims departed for the first trip to Medina.
In his speech, the mufti congratulated the future pilgrims on the beginning of their great journey. "You are setting out to visit the holiest places on earth and fulfill the fifth pillar of Islam in Mecca and Medina, the cities where the Quran was revealed. May Allah grant each of you the Hajj Mabrur, the accepted pilgrimage," he noted.
The head of the administration also called on the pilgrims to conserve time, strictly adhere to Sharia law when performing rituals, be patient during the difficulties that are inevitable on such a large-scale journey, and obey the group leaders unquestioningly.
Saudi Arabian ambassador also wished the pilgrims a successful Hajj and asked them to pray for the well-being of the entire Muslim community.