Syrians join peace convoy in Idlib seeking asylum in Europe – in pictures

  • Syrians plead with local authorities to open the way for them to reach Turkey via the Bab al-Hawa border crossing. All photos: Moawia Atrash for The National
    Syrians plead with local authorities to open the way for them to reach Turkey via the Bab al-Hawa border crossing. All photos: Moawia Atrash for The National
  • A man and his wife run towards the Syrian-Turkish border in a peace convoy called Al Salam, the organisers of which aim to enable Syrians to leave Idlib and the civil war behind for pastures new in Europe.
    A man and his wife run towards the Syrian-Turkish border in a peace convoy called Al Salam, the organisers of which aim to enable Syrians to leave Idlib and the civil war behind for pastures new in Europe.
  • People wait for permission to approach the crossing and ask that Turkey open its terminal so that they can cross into Europe and escape the scourge of war.
    People wait for permission to approach the crossing and ask that Turkey open its terminal so that they can cross into Europe and escape the scourge of war.
  • These Syrian friends are unsure when or even if they will see each other again.
    These Syrian friends are unsure when or even if they will see each other again.
  • The civil war in Syria has been raging for more than 11 years.
    The civil war in Syria has been raging for more than 11 years.
  • Thousands who want to leave head for the Bab al-Hawa crossing.
    Thousands who want to leave head for the Bab al-Hawa crossing.
  • Syrians seeking asylum in Europe via Turkey demonstrate under the name of the Peace Caravan at Bab al-Hawa.
    Syrians seeking asylum in Europe via Turkey demonstrate under the name of the Peace Caravan at Bab al-Hawa.
  • A man, his wife and their infant child join the peace convoy.
    A man, his wife and their infant child join the peace convoy.
  • Escaping the conflict, as well as poverty and a lack of money, are the main drivers for the influx of people.
    Escaping the conflict, as well as poverty and a lack of money, are the main drivers for the influx of people.
  • The hope is for a better life away from the clutches of Bashar Al Assad's regime.
    The hope is for a better life away from the clutches of Bashar Al Assad's regime.