Dr Sheikha Aisha bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani and Patron of Global Donors Forum and Professor Paul Palmer Chair-GDF present Emine Erdoğan with the humanitarian award
(Photo: Murat Çetinmühürdar/Anadolu Agency)
Ahmed J Versi
Turkey’s First Lady Emine Erdoğan was given recognition for her humanitarian work on September 11.
The Humanitarian Service Recognition Award was given to Mrs Erdoğan by World Congress of Muslim Philanthropists at the Global Donors Forum at Mansion House in London
“Turkish nation is a philanthropic nation with a deep-rooted history of charitable foundations,” she said in her acceptance speech
She said Turkey was not only hosting millions of refugees but also helping them across the world.
“Turkey is the largest donor of humanitarian aid in the world as a ratio of its gross national income,” she said.
“I receive ‘The Humanitarian Service Recognition Award’ on behalf of such a noble nation which represents the conscience of humanity. The true recipient of this meaningful award which I am honoured to accept is my country, my state and my nation which respond to any cry for help no matter where it comes from and regardless of religion, language or race!”
Mrs Erdoğan said it was important to pay tribute to “all the downtrodden who are oppressed in Yemen, Syria, Bangladesh, Gaza and, in particular, to our most beloved Jerusalem!”
Pointing at the countries which attacked Afghanistan and Iraq in the wake of 9/11 terrorist attacks, she said, “Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria ceased to be the cradle of ancient civilizations and, instead, became the scene of suffering where innocent children fight for survival in the shadow of weapons.”
The First Lady said Muslims are united in “our joy and sorrow” and “when one of us is hurt, the rest of us also feel the pain. We are like parts of the same body. Any kind of suffering in one part of the world tears us apart and breaks our heart.”
The award recognised her work in helping Rohingya Muslims.
“I think I will never forget what I witnessed there for the rest of my life. To this day, I feel the pain of the suffering of women in Myanmar in my soul,” she said.
Mrs Erdoğan praised the work of the Muslim Philanthropists and said philanthropy is “not just about showing mercy or providing financial assistance” but “also about striving to establish a fair and just order and pursuing compassionate policies.”