Turkish Man and His Wife Wins Hajj 2027 Slot After 17-Year Wait
- Presidency of Religious Affairs held the 2027 Hajj lottery in Ankara, drawing names for Turkey's quota of 84,942 pilgrims
- Mehmet Bal and his wife were selected after a 17-year wait, one of several long-waiting families chosen this year
- Results go live on e-Devlet from July 22 at 20:00, with final registration open from July 30 to August 18
Turkey held its lottery for the 2027 Hajj season in Ankara, giving thousands of families the news they had waited years to hear. Among them was Mehmet Bal, who broke down in tears after 17 years of waiting for his name to be called.
The Draw in Ankara
Presidency of Religious Affairs held the draw at the Şehit Ali Alıtkan Conference Hall in Ankara, with a notary and journalists today.
Hajj candidates and their families filled the hall to watch as names were called for Turkey’s 2027 Hajj quota.
Nearly 1.9 Million in the Draw
A total of 1,878,046 people took part in this year’s draw: 252,708 people signing up for the first time and 1,625,338 renewing past registrations. Saudi Arabia set Turkey’s quota at 84,942 pilgrims for the 2027 Hajj season.
A 17-Year Wait Ends
Mehmet Bal and his wife were among those chosen. Bal said their wait began in 2011, and he could not hold back tears when his name came up. He said his son and daughter-in-law have now registered for the draw too, and he hoped every waiting family would get their turn.
His wife, Birgül Bal, said this was the first time they had watched the draw in person, after being invited this year. She called her children on video the moment her name was read out, and prayed her children would also get to perform Hajj one day.
Other Families Share the Moment
Sevda Artuç learned her name had been drawn from her friend Meryem Çınar, who saw the result first and called her. Çınar has waited nine years for her own turn and said she was happy for her friend, even while she keeps waiting.
An elderly couple who had waited about 16 years were also selected. The wife said she remembered feeling disappointed in the same hall in past years, but this year’s result brought her unmatched joy, which she shared with her grandchildren.
Ekrem Can, who waited 16 years with his wife, said this was his first time following the draw from inside the hall. A friend of his, still waiting after 17 years, watched hopefully as the results came out.
Registration and Travel Dates
Draw results can be checked on e-Devlet from July 22 at 20:00, and candidates will also get an SMS. Those selected can complete registration on e-Devlet from 08:30 on July 30 until August 18. Pilgrims are set to travel to Saudi Arabia between April 17 and May 11, 2027, with return journeys running from May 20 to June 15, 2027.
