French-Moroccan Writer Cycles 2,850 km to Mecca, Raising Climate Awareness

Nabil Ennasri left France on April 22 to reach Mecca. He just arrived in Turkey after covering 2,850 kilometers and crossing 10 different countries. "My first objective is to explain global warming, it is very important for our children and future generations. My second objective is to go to Mecca by reviving the old tradition, I want to revive this tradition by bicycle. When you go to Mecca by horse, on foot or by bicycle, you don’t feel the same emotions as when you take the plane. You learn to know yourself better," he explains to the correspondent of Anadolu.

According to him, global warming is a major problem "for our generation." "It is important for me to protect nature and our world and to explain this to the Muslim community. I think there is a misunderstanding about global warming, people don’t understand what it’s all about," he adds.

The writer plans to take a plane from Turkey to join Jordan. Once in Jordan, he will continue his journey by bicycle. Going to Mecca by bicycle is a way for Ennasri to experience a traditional or even family practice. "It was the case not only 200 years ago, but also 50 years ago. Some members of my family have also traveled on foot. It could take months, even years. Some of them lost their lives during the journey. When I remember these moments, I find the strength in me: you feel the pilgrimage better when you make a journey by bike that lasts weeks instead of taking the plane in a few hours," he added.