From Minsk To Mecca
A group of Muslims left Belarus on August 23 to take part in the annual hajj pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia. For the first time, Saudi officials are requiring that a single tour operator organize pilgrims from each country. Forty-four pilgrims are traveling under the auspices of the Muslim Religious Association of Belarus -- the largest-ever delegation from the country to take part in the hajj. Before departing, the pilgrims gathered to pray at a mosque in Minsk.
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A pilgrim prays before flying from Minsk to Medina by way of Istanbul. Most of the pilgrims from Belarus are taking part in the hajj for the first time.
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Pilgrims gathered to learn the rituals of the hajj before leaving their home country.
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The group includes foreigners residing in Belarus, where Muslims form a small minority.
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Ten women are among the 44 pilgrims. In some traditions, women are required to be accompanied by their husband or a male relative on the hajj.
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Merzak (center), an Algerian resident of Minsk, is going on the hajj for the second time.
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Before departing, Merzak is dressed for the hajj in sandals and ihram, loosely draped pieces of white fabric.
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The mufti of Belarus, Abu-Bekir Shabanovich, sees the pilgrims off on their journey.
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A man carries a Belarusian flag, which might help the delegation find one another among the crowds. Nearly 2 million Muslims will take part in the hajj.
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The Belarusian delegation will return on September 7.