The Presidency of Religious Affairs and TDV have opened an orphanage in Afghanistan

  The Belh Orphanage in Mazar-i-Sharif, Afghanistan, a joint project between the Presidency of Religious Affairs and the Türkiye Diyanet Foundation (TDV), was completed towards the end of 2021 but delayed due to security concerns and the COVID-19 pandemic, has now been officially inaugurated.

  Semih Lütfü Turgut, the Consul General of Türkiye in Mazar-i-Sharif, Abdulkadir Bekiroğlu, the Religious Affairs Counselor at the Turkish Embassy in Kabul, Abdurrahman Çetin, the Deputy General Manager of TDV, Osman Türk, the TDV Representative in Afghanistan, along with representatives from the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) and the Türkiye Maarif Foundation, were present at the opening ceremony.

  Consul General Turgut stated the following in his speech:

“The Afghan people have a special place alongside the Turkish people at all times and under any circumstances. This love has been continuing for centuries. One of the most beautiful signs of this is the orphanage we opened today. In addition to official institutions, the Turkish people are extending aid to the Afghan population through various non-governmental organizations in Afghanistan. In terms of its economic size, Türkiye is the country that offers the highest proportional aid globally.”

   Çetin also explained that TDV operates in 149 countries and particularly supports tens of thousands of orphans in Muslim countries.

It hosts 45 orphans

Kabul Embassy Religious Affairs Counselor Bekiroglu said that the institution hosts 45 orphans and provides monthly financial support to 150 orphans.

Bekiroğlu, stating that TDV meets all needs, mentioned that the orphanage is established on a 9-acre land and includes 5 dormitories, 2 classrooms, 1 multi-purpose hall, a kitchen, a volleyball court, a playground, and a children’s park.

Abdulkadir Bekiroğlu continued as follows:

“Furthermore, the children are enrolled in a private school in the city. They are picked up and dropped off daily by a school bus. Children also receive the Holy Quran and recitation education (Qiraat). 18 of our 45 orphans became Hafiz. They also receive one hour of lessons in Turkish, religious principles, Tajweed, and the life of the Prophet daily. They are also receiving education in Arabic and English. In addition to these, activities such as films, conferences, poetry, and article writing are organized to enhance their personal development.” 

  Bekiroğlu pointed out that thousands of children have been orphaned due to the conflict-ridden environment that has persisted in Afghanistan for many years. He expressed their commitment to continuing to support orphans to the best of their abilities.

  Bekiroğlu added that four water wells have been built in various villages of Mazar-i-Sharif and made accessible to the Afghan population.