Emotional and Aid-Filled Moments Extending from Fethiye to Mauritania

Cemil Asal, Raşit Ünal, and Hüseyin Çetinkaya from Fethiye went to Mauritania as representatives of the Hayrat Humanitarian Relief Association on the occasion of Eid al-Adha to deliver aid to those in need. Despite challenging geographical conditions and high temperatures, hundreds of needy families were reached through the aid activities carried out.

Visiting various regions including Luvait Village and Dalikombe Village in Mauritania, Hüseyin Çetinkaya personally accompanied the sacrifice animal slaughtering and distribution works entrusted by donors. A total of 286 large cattle were slaughtered in the area, and the sacrificial meat was delivered to needy families.

60% OF THE VILLAGE IS VISUALLY IMPAIRED

The aid activities were not limited to the sacrifice organization; children were also remembered. Sharing the joy of the holiday with children, Çetinkaya gifted them holiday clothes, stationery, and various toys. As part of the aid, after a 1200 km desert journey from the village center of Dalikumbe known as the "Village of the Blind" to the capital Nouakchott, various aid was delivered to visually impaired citizens living in the area. Whistles, bells, and different toys were gifted to visually impaired individuals, and meat from the sacrificed animals was also distributed.

AREAS WITHOUT ROADS WERE CROSSED

The aid process was carried out under quite difficult conditions. Reaching Mauritania, approximately 7,000 kilometers away from Turkey, Hüseyin Çetinkaya did not stop his journey here. Under temperatures reaching 45 degrees Celsius, he traveled about 1200 kilometers from the capital Nouakchott along a challenging route to the aid points. Sometimes areas without roads were crossed, sometimes untraced terrains were passed. Regardless of the conditions, the Turkish team personally found each needy person in the region and delivered the entrusted aid directly.

FIRST, I WOULD LIKE TO SEE THE SKY

Residents in the area expressed their satisfaction with the aid provided, and the spiritual atmosphere of Eid al-Adha was felt even in the remote villages of Mauritania.

In Dalikumbe Village, where 60% of the population is blind, a visually impaired person was asked, “If your eyes could see, what would you like to see first?” and replied, "First, I would like to see the sky. I am very curious about what the sky looks like. Also, I want to see and read God's book, the Quran, and get to know it."

THIS ALSO GAVE US A VERY BIG MESSAGE

Following this, the head of the aid delegation, Hüseyin Çetinkaya, who was deeply moved by what happened in the region, expressed his feelings as follows: “Dear friends, I have once again updated the importance of seeing the sky and getting acquainted with the Quran in my mind. Honestly, I was very touched. I opened my hands to the sky and thanked my Lord once again for all my organs. As the Hayrat Humanitarian Relief Association Fethiye Branch, we thank the donors very much and want to continue this beauty hand in hand with a new project. May Allah accept your good deeds and sacrifices. May He increase the blessings of your gains.”

Report: Muhsin KAPLAN

Images: Hüseyin ÇETİNKAYA