Ashraf AboArafe reports
Cairo | June 8, 2025
In a spirit of compassion and humanitarian solidarity, the Turkish Embassy in Cairo, in cooperation with the Palestinian Embassy, “Awlady” Egyptian Association, and the Turkish Foundation for Human Rights and Freedoms and Humanitarian Relief (IHH), hosted a special Eid al-Adha event attended by around 700 participants, including 400 victims from Gaza and 150 underprivileged Egyptian citizens.
During the event, which took place at the Turkish Ambassador’s residence, families received sacrificial meat packages (10 kilograms per person), in addition to a hot meal of traditional kavurma with rice, and direct cash assistance for those in need.
The gathering was attended by Turkish Ambassador to Cairo, H.E. Salih Mutlu Şen, along with members of the Turkish diplomatic mission, representatives from the Yunus Emre Institute, Turkish Airlines, AJET, and Egyptian journalists.
In his remarks, Ambassador Şen expressed his deep sorrow over the tragic situation in Gaza, noting that it has “clouded the joy of Eid across the Islamic world.” He offered prayers for freedom, dignity, and safety for the Palestinian people, stating that the event aimed to ease their suffering and restore a sense of Eid joy.
He emphasized that the Turkish nation, under the leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, considers helping all oppressed people a moral and national duty, and this event is a practical reflection of that commitment. He added that efforts would continue in cooperation with AFAD (Turkish Disaster and Emergency Management Authority) and the Turkish Red Crescent to reach both Palestinians residing in Egypt and those in need in Gaza.
Ambassador Şen also praised the significant role of Turkish civil society organizations, referring to recent comments from the Palestinian Ambassador, who said that Turkey has always been at the forefront of NGOs providing aid to Palestinians, noting their dedication and exemplary humanitarian work.
The Ambassador highlighted that Palestinian families participating in the event were identified in coordination with the Palestinian Embassy, and also acknowledged Egypt’s importance by supporting needy Egyptian families, in coordination with the “Awlady” Egyptian Association, affirming that Turkey sees Egyptians as brothers and sisters to the Turkish people.
He further underlined the deep-rooted, thousand-year-old bonds between Turkey and Egypt, and expressed his gratitude to all Turkish and Egyptian partners, including IHH, for helping make the event a success.
In conclusion, Ambassador Şen reiterated the Embassy’s commitment to continue cultural, social, and charitable activities, in close partnership with Turkish companies and NGOs, and extended his warm Eid al-Adha greetings, expressing hope that future celebrations will take place in peace, dignity, and freedom for the Palestinian people.
