On Board the TCG Sancaktar: A Journey of Escape and Hope Amidst Conflict
In the heart of a turbulent Middle East, Eyup Sabri Kirgiz found himself at a crossroads, forced to leave behind the city he had called home for over two decades. The 50-year-old Turkish engineer, along with his family and beloved pets, boarded the TCG Sancaktar, a Turkish navy ship, to escape the escalating violence in Beirut. This poignant journey encapsulates the harrowing experiences of many who have been caught in the crossfire of conflict, seeking safety and solace in uncertain times.
Leaving Beirut Behind
Kirgiz’s departure from Beirut was not merely a relocation; it was an emotional farewell to a city that had become an integral part of his life. Living in the Ein Rummaneh neighborhood, close to the heavily bombarded Dahiyeh area, Kirgiz and his family had endured two weeks of relentless airstrikes. “For the last two weeks or so, we had been feeling all those bombs as if they were exploding in the house,” he recounted, highlighting the psychological toll of living under constant threat. The sound of drones became a haunting lullaby, robbing the family of sleep and peace.
The Evacuation Operation
On a Thursday marked by urgency, Kirgiz and hundreds of others were evacuated from Lebanon aboard the TCG Sancaktar and its sister ship, the TCG Bayraktar. The evacuation was part of a larger operation orchestrated by the Turkish government, which aimed to rescue its citizens and their families from the escalating violence. As the ships set sail, the atmosphere was a mix of anxiety and relief, with almost 1,000 evacuees—primarily Turkish citizens and their foreign-born spouses—finding temporary refuge on board.
Life Aboard the TCG Sancaktar
The journey across the Mediterranean was fraught with discomfort. Passengers were provided with camp beds and basic provisions, but the cramped conditions and stuffy air made the experience challenging. Kirgiz, however, focused on caring for his pets—two dogs, Bella and Ammun, and a turtle named Coco—ensuring they remained calm and quiet amidst the chaos. The ship became a microcosm of the broader human experience, with families sharing stories of loss, fear, and hope.
Tragically, the journey was not without its incidents. A 75-year-old passenger suffered a heart attack and was evacuated by helicopter to northern Cyprus, where he later died. Such events served as stark reminders of the fragility of life in conflict zones.
The Broader Context of Conflict
The backdrop to this evacuation is a year marked by violence and instability in the region. The conflict escalated dramatically after Hezbollah launched rockets into Israel on October 8, 2023, following a Hamas-led attack. The ensuing exchanges of fire have resulted in significant casualties, with over 1,400 people killed in Lebanon and more than a million displaced. The situation has created a humanitarian crisis, with many residents struggling to find safety and basic necessities.
Personal Stories of Resilience
Among the evacuees were individuals like Dilber Taleb and her husband Ahmad, who were visiting family in Lebanon when the conflict erupted. Despite their neighborhood being relatively safe, the couple felt the weight of anxiety and stress, prompting their decision to leave. Ahmad expressed his anguish at leaving his parents behind, highlighting the difficult choices families face in times of crisis.
Another poignant story came from Goncagul Udigwe, who, along with her Nigerian husband Callistos and their infant daughter, had moved to Lebanon just five months prior. Fearing that the situation could deteriorate into “another Gaza,” they made the difficult decision to evacuate. Upon arrival in Turkey, Udigwe expressed relief at being safe but lamented the plight of those left behind, who were enduring unimaginable hardships.
Arrival in Turkey: A New Chapter
As the TCG Sancaktar docked in Mersin, the weary passengers disembarked, greeted by the promise of safety and the unknown of what lay ahead. The Turkish government had arranged for their transportation to immigration checks, marking the end of a harrowing journey but the beginning of a new chapter in their lives.
The evacuation operation was not solely about rescue; it was also a humanitarian mission. The two ships had previously delivered around 300 tons of aid to Lebanon, including food, tents, and blankets, underscoring Turkey’s commitment to supporting those affected by the conflict.
Looking Ahead: Hope Amidst Uncertainty
For Eyup Sabri Kirgiz, the journey aboard the TCG Sancaktar was a bittersweet escape. He expressed a deep love for Beirut and a hope to return once the situation stabilizes. “I’ll see what the situation is like in a week or 10 days. I’ll wait for things to calm down a bit,” he said, embodying the resilience and hope that many evacuees share.
As the region continues to grapple with conflict, the stories of those like Kirgiz, Taleb, and Udigwe serve as poignant reminders of the human cost of war and the enduring spirit of those who seek peace and safety in the face of adversity.