14.11.2026 16:32
Merdan Rozyev, who was diagnosed with C5-level spinal cord paralysis after a severe accident in Turkmenistan, stood up again at the end of 12 years of physical therapy and rehabilitation. Wanting to give hope to people with spinal cord paralysis, Rozyev began a 500-kilometer walk from Üsküdar to İzmir with the 'Miraculous Steps' project. The walk, which will pass through Kocaeli, Bursa, Balıkesir and Manisa, will end at the İzmir Clock Tower on January 3.
Merdan Rozıyev, who became paraplegic as a result of an accident and managed to walk again after a 12-year struggle, set out walking from Istanbul to Izmir to draw attention to the disease.
DOCTORS REGARDED IT AS IMPOSSIBLE
Rozıyev, who was diagnosed with a C5 level spinal cord injury after a severe accident he had in Turkmenistan, managed to stand up again as a result of the physical therapy and rehabilitation work he maintained over 12 years, during which doctors regarded his walking again as nearly impossible.
HE SET OFF FROM ÜSKÜDAR
Inspired by the world tour "Man in Motion" carried out in a wheelchair by Canadian athlete Rick Hansen, Rozıyev began the first stage of his "Miraculous Steps" project, which he prepared to give hope to people with disabilities and raise social awareness, from Üsküdar.
Speaking to members of the press at Salacak Beach, Rozıyev said he aims to convey the message "Nothing is impossible." to millions of people with spinal cord injuries and disabilities around the world and to raise awareness for research in this field.
THE FINAL WILL BE IN IZMIR ON JANUARY 3
Stating that he aims to turn his walk in Turkey into a world tour in the following period, Rozıyev noted:
"The first steps of the Miraculous Steps project will be a 500-kilometer walk from Istanbul to Izmir. Starting from Istanbul Üsküdar Salacak, our walk will continue through the provinces of Kocaeli, Bursa, Balıkesir and Manisa, respectively. It will end with a finale at the Clock Tower in Izmir on January 3. In fact, its most important message is to raise awareness for people with spinal cord injuries and give them hope. If I succeeded, I want to show that they can succeed too. I want to show this not only in Turkey and Turkmenistan but to people with spinal cord injuries all over the world and give them hope."