On February 6, 2023, the region along the Turkish/Syrian border was struck by massive earthquakes and aftershocks; over 50,000 are dead, cities, towns, villages, and critical infrastructure are completely destroyed. And the tolls are climbing.
- In Turkey: The quake hit at least 10 Turkish provinces, including Adana, Gaziantep, Hatay, Kahramanmaras, Malatya, and Sanliurfa. The area is a significant hub for nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) supporting Syrians through cross-border humanitarian operations.
- In Syria: The cities of Aleppo, Latakia, Hama, and Idlib were badly hit, with buildings damaged and many reported to have collapsed. Aleppo, already ravaged by civil war, was among the most affected areas, where more than 4 million people already relied on humanitarian aid
Ways to Help
There are many online fundraiser for Turkish Earthquake Relief, and it can be hard to pick which one to support. Those affiliated with AHBAP in Turkey are reputable, as are the American Red Cross and Turkish Red Crescent.
We have donated to this fundraiser in the past for relief efforts during the 2020 Izmir earthquake.
* Join viewers from around the world on Sunday February 19, 2023 from 1:00-4:00 pm CST for a Gala Showcase of international dancers. Can’t make the show? It will be taped and saved to the Rakkas Istanbul YouTube Channel
*If you reside in Minnesota, contact the Turkish American Society of Minnesota (TASMN website or Facebook Page) and the Turkish American Association of Minnesota (TAAM website or Facebook Page) for supply drop-off information and in-kind donations.
Dans Askina Turkish Dance Ensemble will be collaborating with other arts groups throughout the year, stay tuned for additional ways to help!
