4 February 2023
For 29 October, Republic Day, the Turkish Beyazay Association organised a trip to Hagia Sophia and Topkapı Palace for 30 Syrian children with disabilities affected by war, together with their families.
The Syrians who took refuge in Türkiye because of the war in their country had an unforgettable day. Gathering in front of Hagia Sophia, the 30 Syrian children with disabilities and their families first visited the Hagia Sophia Museum and then toured Topkapı Palace.
The Acting President of the Turkish Beyazay Association, Aylin ÇİFTÇİ, said: ‘‘Our aim is to lighten, if only a little, the heavy burden on our state. Because of the events in Syria many people were forced to come from their country to Türkiye, and because of the war some lost an eye, some a leg. As the Turkish Beyazay Association we are working to open our arms to these brothers and sisters of ours and to support them. This trip we have organised will be the opening event of that work.’’
After the tour of the historic peninsula, a meal was held at the Topkapı Social Facilities hosted by Fatih Municipality, and the programme ended with gifts presented to the Syrian children.