İzani Turan, the General Manager of the Türkiye Diyanet Foundation, shared, ‘In 2024, we reached 55 million 171 thousand 42 people and provided 747 thousand 52 shares of Qurbanies to 34 million 737 thousand needy people, including in Türkiye and various other nations.’
Turan stated at the Foundation’s headquarters that they are carrying on their activities in 149 countries with 1003 branches.
In his speech about the Foundation’s 2024 activities, Turan remarked, ‘In 2024, we reached 55 million 171 thousand 42 people. As part of our holy Ramadan aid, we provided aid to 2 million 46 thousand people across the world. We distributed 747 thousand 52 Qurbani shares to 34 million 737 thousand needy people in various countries, with Türkiye being the primary recipient. We also distributed more than 1 million 260 thousand Qurbani aid, including those for oblation, Aqiqah, and gratitude. Turan, who reported reaching 650 thousand people in the areas hit by the Kahramanmaraş-centered earthquakes, provided the following information regarding their operations in Gaza, which is under Israeli assault:
“In Gaza, where Israel is committing genocide, our people showed great solidarity. We delivered aid wherever we had the chance, including through Egypt, by sea, and with the coordination of the Red Crescent and AFAD. We worked with our charity partners to distribute supplies inside. All-access points are controlled by the cruel Israel, and we entered as much as they allowed. In 2024, we were able to provide aid to 3 million 370 thousand 124 Palestinians.”
Foundation’s activities in Syria
Turan pointed out that they distributed soup and tea at the border gates with mobile aid vehicles to Syrians returning after the collapse of the 61-year-old Ba’ath regime in their country, and also emphasized that similar help was provided in Aleppo.
Turan stated: “We have long-established services in Syria, which we continued in 2024. We operate 7 clothing stores, an elderly care home, and a rehabilitation center. Each month, we distribute 550,000 loaves of bread and serve hot meals to 500 people daily. We have been involved in the construction and repair of 592 mosques, built 15 schools, 13,000 brick houses, and 540 social housing units, as well as renovated 12 schools. Our cultural initiatives continue with 3 cultural centers, and we maintain 9 water wells.”
Turan mentioned that they have reached out with a “hand of kindness” to more than 6 million people in areas hit by natural disasters around the world, and shared that they have constructed 1,334 water wells, with plans to raise that figure to 1,511.”
Turan shared that in 2024, they offered financial aid and education support to 40,000 students and supported nearly 13,000 orphans.
A high-level team from TDV is set to travel to Syria
Regarding reports on high profits from TDV’s student dormitories, General Manager Turan explained, “Our rates are lower than the market, yet we still make a profit. We use that profit to open more dormitories. We have businesses, and if they are making a profit, it’s not for personal gain, but will ultimately be used for good causes. We don’t just aim for profit in our dormitories; we ensure that students lack nothing.”
Turan addressed the question of whether the foundation would implement new measures for humanitarian activities in Syria, saying, ‘Whatever our government orders, we will be there. On Wednesday evening, we will visit Aleppo and Damascus with a high-level team of 10-11 people. We will meet with our ambassador to identify the needs. Then, Insha’Allah, we will roll up our sleeves and do whatever is necessary.
