Hundreds of thousands of migrant workers setting off from Europe to Turkey for their summer holidays are experiencing the excitement of reuniting with their loved ones on the thousands-of-kilometers-long Homeland Road. However, experts are once again warning drivers that staying behind the wheel for long periods can lead to distraction, loss of reflexes, and fatal traffic accidents. Therefore, taking breaks at regular intervals and resting at safe facilities is of vital importance.
In this context, Motel Stari Hrast, serving in the town of Markovac, Serbia, stands out as one of the rest stops safely preferred by migrant workers who have been using the Europe-Turkey route for years.
One of the Most Reliable Rest Stops on the Homeland Road
Motel Stari Hrast, strategically located on the Belgrade–Niš E-75 highway, is approximately 100 kilometers from Belgrade and 135 kilometers from Niš. Thanks to its location, it offers ideal accommodation and rest opportunities for drivers traveling to Turkey and returning to Europe.
Especially during the summer season, with its increased migrant worker traffic, the motel is among the top choices for families with its secure parking, comfortable rooms, and quality service approach.
Hygiene, Comfort, and Security All in One
Motel Stari Hrast offers various accommodation options, including single, double, and family rooms.
In rooms cleaned daily according to hygiene standards;
- Air-conditioned comfortable rooms,
- Free Wi-Fi,
- Private bathroom,
- Daily refreshed linens and towels,
- 24-hour restaurant,
- Secure parking
all services needed by long-distance drivers are fully provided.
Chef Duško Paripović: "We See Our Turkish Guests as Part of Our Family"
The motel restaurant's chef, Duško Paripović, stated that they have been happy to host thousands of Turkish travelers for many years.
Paripović, stating that they are well acquainted with the palate of Turkish guests, made the following assessment:
"We listen carefully to our guests' requests. We prepare breakfasts similar to Turkish cuisine and strive to offer flavors that rival home-cooked meals. It is our greatest pleasure for our road-weary guests to feel at home."
Vital Warning from Experts: A Break Can Save a Life
Traffic safety experts recommend taking a break of at least 15-20 minutes every two hours during long journeys, and sleeping for a few hours, especially during night travels.
According to experts, driving while tired poses as serious a risk as driving under the influence of alcohol. Continuing the journey after resting at a safe facility is of great importance for the safety of both the driver and their family.
The Ottoman Legend in the Shadow of the Centenary Plane Tree
There is also a remarkable legend passed down from generation to generation in the region where the motel is located.
According to local lore, it is said that the Ottoman army encamped under the centenary plane tree near the motel during its Vienna Campaign. Although not definitively confirmed by historical documents, this narrative continues to exist as one of the important legends living in the cultural memory of the region.
Ready for the 2026 Summer Season
Motel Stari Hrast management announced that all preparations before the 2026 summer season have been completed and that they are ready to host migrant workers traveling from Europe to Turkey with a safe, hygienic, and quality service approach.
A Meaningful Message from Temel Işık to Migrant Workers
Journalist Temel Işık also made the following call to citizens who will embark on the Homeland Road:
"No matter how great the excitement of reuniting with your homeland, nothing is more important than personal safety. Plan your journey, don't rush, don't get behind the wheel when tired, and definitely rest at a safe facility. Our greatest wish is for everyone to reach their loved ones safely."
We wish all migrant workers setting off from Europe to Turkey accident-free, trouble-free, and peaceful journeys.
Temel IŞIK / BELGRADE – Markovac
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