Loneness Road

Hundreds of Iranian truck drivers are involved in Georgia's international trade where they are not only taking part in trade with Iran but with many other countries in the region. The community has much expanded over time that currently couple of truck parking spots around Tbilisi, and other places around the country, are full of Iranian truck drivers where they have their hangout spots including bars, restaurants, etc. While most of them spend several consecutive weeks to months in Georgia, almost all their families live in Iran. Being an Iranian truck driver in Georgia means tackling with many different challenges including being away from your family and friends for quite long time, doing an arduous job in a foreign land, having limited access to healthcare and personal hygiene facilities, etc. On top of everything, however, the loneliness is the main challenge burdening on their shoulders.
Akbar prepares tea at his truck's kitchen, or 'box' as called by the truckers, on the outskirts of Tbilisi. Hundreds of Iranian truck drivers are involved in Georgia's international trade. Working as a trucker means spending most of your time far fr

Akbar prepares tea at his truck's kitchen, or 'box' as called by the truckers, on the outskirts of Tbilisi. Hundreds of Iranian truck drivers are involved in Georgia's international trade. Working as a trucker means spending most of your time far from your loved ones which makes it quite hard to maintain mental and physical health. It also needs them to be skilled in various areas from car maintenance to cooking, first aid, local languages, etc. (October 1st, 2023 Tbilisi, Georgia)

Iranian truck drivers spending time in a small Iranian restaurant on the outskirts of Tbilisi. The community has much expanded over the time that currently several truck parking spots around Tbilisi, as well as other cities around the country, are co

Iranian truck drivers spending time in a small Iranian restaurant on the outskirts of Tbilisi. The community has much expanded over the time that currently several truck parking spots around Tbilisi, as well as other cities around the country, are continuously frequented by Iranian truckers. (September 26th, 2023 Tbilisi, Georgia)

After unloading their goods, drivers may spend several days at this place before they receive another load of goods to transfer. Waiting for an unknown period of time while being far away from their beloved ones is quite formidable; many of them can'

After unloading their goods, drivers may spend several days at this place before they receive another load of goods to transfer. Waiting for an unknown period of time while being far away from their beloved ones is quite formidable; many of them can't spend more than a few days per 2 3 months with their families. (September 27th, 2023 Tbilisi, Georgia)

Few women can be seen in this male-dominant community including non-Iranian servers and bartenders. Mazyar, the owner of the restaurant, moved to Tbilisi a decade ago after hearing about large number of Iranian truck drivers around Tbilisi in need of

Few women can be seen in this male-dominant community including non-Iranian servers and bartenders. Mazyar, the owner of the restaurant, moved to Tbilisi a decade ago after hearing about large number of Iranian truck drivers around Tbilisi in need of a hangout spot. (September 27th, 2023 Tbilisi, Georgia)

A group of Iranian truck drivers having beer and Kebab. This and other similar places help them feel more connected to their motherland while spending several weeks or months away from their families. (September 27th, 2023 Tbilisi, Georgia)

A group of Iranian truck drivers having beer and Kebab. This and other similar places help them feel more connected to their motherland while spending several weeks or months away from their families. (September 27th, 2023 Tbilisi, Georgia)

Gholamreza taking a nap in a small Iranian restaurant on the outskirts of Tbilisi while spending several days waiting for a new load of goods. "We've have never seen our children growing up" as said by many drivers. Despite all the challenges, many o

Gholamreza taking a nap in a small Iranian restaurant on the outskirts of Tbilisi while spending several days waiting for a new load of goods. "We've have never seen our children growing up" as said by many drivers. Despite all the challenges, many of truckers still love their career while some others feel quite stuck without any promising future. (September 27th, 2023 Tbilisi, Georgia)

This modest Iranian restaurant at a truck parking on the outskirt of Tbilisi has turned into a hangout spot for Iranian truckers. Almost everything here is imported from Iran creating a nostalgic vibe for the customers. (September 27th, Tbilisi, Geor

This modest Iranian restaurant at a truck parking on the outskirt of Tbilisi has turned into a hangout spot for Iranian truckers. Almost everything here is imported from Iran creating a nostalgic vibe for the customers. (September 27th, Tbilisi, Georgia)

A group of Iranian truck drivers drinking tea in a truck parking spot on the outskirts of Tbilisi. They delivered oil products from Iran and will depart the following day. For Iran, as a country under heavy sanctions, any possible trade route is vita

A group of Iranian truck drivers drinking tea in a truck parking spot on the outskirts of Tbilisi. They delivered oil products from Iran and will depart the following day. For Iran, as a country under heavy sanctions, any possible trade route is vital for the economy. (September 27th 2023, Tbilisi, Georgia)

Many Iranian drivers buy trucks with Georgian plate numbers as they are far cheaper than Iranian plate numbers. However, they can't frequently return to Iran because of country's taxes imposed on the trucks with foreign plate numbers. On the other ha

Many Iranian drivers buy trucks with Georgian plate numbers as they are far cheaper than Iranian plate numbers. However, they can't frequently return to Iran because of country's taxes imposed on the trucks with foreign plate numbers. On the other hand, the ones who can afford an Iranian plate number don't need to stay in Georgia for a very long time and can return right after delivering their loads. (September 27th, 2023 Tbilisi, Georgia)

An Iranian trucker taking nap on a Persian carpet before returning to Iran on the following day. (September 27th, 2023 Tbilisi, Georgia)

An Iranian trucker taking nap on a Persian carpet before returning to Iran on the following day. (September 27th, 2023 Tbilisi, Georgia)

Ali drives towards Georgia-Azerbaijan border to deliver a load in Baku, Azerbaijan. Many of Iranian drivers who work in this region have hard time obtaining visas and passing borders. While this is a fundamental part of their job to travel to differe

Ali drives towards Georgia-Azerbaijan border to deliver a load in Baku, Azerbaijan. Many of Iranian drivers who work in this region have hard time obtaining visas and passing borders. While this is a fundamental part of their job to travel to different countries, in many cases they get offended by the border officers who ask for bribe just because drivers' Iranian nationality. (October 1st, 2023 Georgia-Azerbaijan Border)

Ali spends long hours in his truck waiting for the line to move forward. It is not unusual for drivers to spend 3 to 4 days at borders before they can enter the next country. While these lines can get up to 20 km and even more behind the border, sani

Ali spends long hours in his truck waiting for the line to move forward. It is not unusual for drivers to spend 3 to 4 days at borders before they can enter the next country. While these lines can get up to 20 km and even more behind the border, sanitary and other facilities are only provided at the border leaving drivers without proper access to shower and toilet for long hours up to a few days. (October 1st, 2023 Georgia-Azerbaijan Border)

Ali spends long hours waiting for the line to move forward. It is not unusual for Ali, and other drivers, to spend 3 to 4 days at borders before he can enter the new country. On this long journey, his truck and a few personal belongings are the only

Ali spends long hours waiting for the line to move forward. It is not unusual for Ali, and other drivers, to spend 3 to 4 days at borders before he can enter the new country. On this long journey, his truck and a few personal belongings are the only items that accompany him. (October 1st, 2023 Georgia-Azerbaijan Border)

Akbar is waiting for his turn to unload the goods he imported from Iran the day before. After arriving at Tbilisi, he has to announce his load to the customs before heading to the delivery spot. (October 2nd, 2023 Tbilisi, Georgia)

Akbar is waiting for his turn to unload the goods he imported from Iran the day before. After arriving at Tbilisi, he has to announce his load to the customs before heading to the delivery spot. (October 2nd, 2023 Tbilisi, Georgia)

Akbar lights a cigarette while having a video call with his family in Iran. Sometimes, it gets quite formidable to manage family issues while being far from home for a long time. Fortunately, technology and social media helped drivers to have easier

Akbar lights a cigarette while having a video call with his family in Iran. Sometimes, it gets quite formidable to manage family issues while being far from home for a long time. Fortunately, technology and social media helped drivers to have easier time reaching out to their families. When he is not talking to his family, he usually spends his time watching his favorite movies on his phone (October 2nd, 2023 Tbilisi, Georgia)

Akbar unloading the metals he imported from Iran. Metal products of Esfahan are among the main exports of Iran to Georgia. Esfahan is a major metal producer and despite the sanctions, it still forms a considerable part of Iran’s export. (October 2nd,

Akbar unloading the metals he imported from Iran. Metal products of Esfahan are among the main exports of Iran to Georgia. Esfahan is a major metal producer and despite the sanctions, it still forms a considerable part of Iran’s export. (October 2nd, 2023 Tbilisi, Georgia)

Akbar emptying his trailer after a long journey. His arm was injured a few weeks ago during loading but he couldn't meet a doctor because of constantly being on the road with limited insurance coverage and access to doctor. (October 2nd, 2023 Tbilisi

Akbar emptying his trailer after a long journey. His arm was injured a few weeks ago during loading but he couldn't meet a doctor because of constantly being on the road with limited insurance coverage and access to doctor. (October 2nd, 2023 Tbilisi, Georgia)

Ismail walks towards public showers made for drivers who stay at this parking spot. It can be quite challenging to maintain personal hygiene while being constantly on the road. This is one of the few facilities available for drivers where they can ta

Ismail walks towards public showers made for drivers who stay at this parking spot. It can be quite challenging to maintain personal hygiene while being constantly on the road. This is one of the few facilities available for drivers where they can take shower and wash their clothes. (October 2nd, 2023 Tbilisi, Georgia)

Tbilisi, Georgia - Ismail combing his hair before going to bed. Truck not only works as a work space but also as a home for drivers. From bed to storage space and fridge, everything must be fit here. (October 2nd, 2023 Tbilisi, Georgia)

Tbilisi, Georgia - Ismail combing his hair before going to bed. Truck not only works as a work space but also as a home for drivers. From bed to storage space and fridge, everything must be fit here. (October 2nd, 2023 Tbilisi, Georgia)

Ismail going to bed after a long day. Truck not only works as a work space but also as a home for drivers. From bed to storage space and fridge, everything must be fit here. (October 2nd, 2023 Tbilisi, Georgia)

Ismail going to bed after a long day. Truck not only works as a work space but also as a home for drivers. From bed to storage space and fridge, everything must be fit here. (October 2nd, 2023 Tbilisi, Georgia)

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