Turkey

Turkey Wildfires

For the past several days, wildfires have ravaged southern Turkey, killing 8 people, destroying farmland and livestock.

We pray for the safety of our brothers and sisters in Turkey and thank you for your continued support as we stand ready to assist in Turkey’s response and recovery efforts.

Currently, IRUSA is monitoring and evaluating the situation and does not have a fundraising appeal to respond to the wildfire emergency in Turkey. Islamic Relief Turkey is in  communication with the Turkish authorities. We stand ready to assist with Turkey’s response and recovery efforts, including providing any funds we receive via social media campaigns.

We ask to keep all those affected in your prayers.

Focus on Turkey

While Turkey has a relatively strong economy when compared to some of the other countries Islamic Relief serves, a large portion of its people suffer from poverty. In addition, Turkey lies in a region that is susceptible to natural disasters, namely earthquakes.

And as Turkey continues to look for ways to improve conditions for its people, it also is working to continue to provide aid to refugees who have fled to Turkey to escape violence in their home countries. This has added a strain on its resources.

With all this considered, one thing remains clear: The people of Turkey are resilient and, with the support of donors like you, families in need there can access opportunities to break the chains of poverty and move toward success.

Islamic Relief’s Dedication to Turkey

Islamic Relief Turkey opened its offices in the 2000s to serve as an implementing office to assist refugees fleeing to Turkey. As their work continues, they also assist Turks in need. And in times of emergency, like an earthquake that struck in 2017, Islamic Relief donors provided food and hygiene kits to survivors. More than 400 families were helped, including more than 600 school-aged children.

Here’s just a sampling of recent efforts for families in need across Turkey:

• Providing emergency aid to disaster survivors
• Supporting livelihood programs to help farmers
• Delivering supplies to help refugee families

 Download Middle East Donor Report  (updated: May 2020)

We Need YOUR Help

As much as we’ve been able to accomplish, there is still so much more to do. If we work together—with YOU—we can make the vision of a better Turkey a reality for so many more of our sisters and brothers in need.

PLEASE NOTE: Donations made to IRUSA’s Turkey fund may serve urgent or long-term programs in Turkey for vulnerable Turks or for refugees, or for Turkish refugees living in other countries.