Zakat Foundation of America in
Türkiye
Response to Humanitarian Crisis
Following the February 2023 earthquakes, communities across southern Türkiye continue to face long-term recovery challenges related to shelter, livelihoods, health, education, and psychosocial support. Nearly 1.6 million people in earthquake-affected provinces still require assistance, including displaced families living in temporary settlements. Türkiye also hosts one of the world’s largest refugee populations, navigating economic pressures, rising living costs, and protection risks, particularly for women and children. Zakat Foundation of America responds through integrated humanitarian aid and recovery programs, including emergency shelter, winter aid, food assistance, education programs, livelihood support, and psychosocial services. In Adıyaman, we established a tent village and community initiatives such as the Eliyaman Women Empowerment Project, vocational training, and a handicraft bazaar, helping families rebuild stability, dignity, and resilience as recovery continues.
Our Impact in Türkiye
Our Work in Türkiye
Testimonial: Mark Ward's Visit to our Programs in Türkiye
Our Eliyaman Women’s Cooperative Handicraft Bazaar in Adıyaman, Türkiye
Ramadan 2025: Our Food Package Distribution in Türkiye
Stories of Change
Pınar Çelik, a 32-year-old copper artisan from Adıyaman, built her livelihood through craftsmanship passed down for generations. Everything changed on February 6, 2023, when a catastrophic earthquake destroyed her home and workshop, trapping her under rubble for nine hours and leaving her injured and traumatized. Through our Eliyaman Women Empowerment Project, Pınar received a fully equipped workspace, materials, and business support to restart her craft. Today, she runs her business independently, mentors others, and looks to the future with hope; proof that your support can restore dignity, livelihoods, and purpose after disaster.
Emine, 52, lives with her disabled mother and young nephew, relying solely on her mother’s modest pension. With no steady income and limited education, meeting basic needs is a daily struggle. Through our Ramadan assistance, Emine received a shopping card delivered directly to her home; an experience that restored dignity and eased hardship. The support allowed her family to buy what they needed most, bringing relief during a difficult time. For Emine, this assistance meant more than food; it meant compassion, respect, and reassurance that her family was not forgotten.
News from Türkiye
1/21/26
After the 2023 Türkiye Earthquake, One Backpack Helped Save a Child’s Education
After the 2023 Türkiye earthquake, Zakat Foundation’s Back to School Project provided vital backpacks, restoring hope and education for children like Yusuf.
Stories, Turkiye
9/22/25
Beyond Survival: How Vocational Training Gave Esma a Second Chance After the Türkiye Earthquake
Esma lost everything in the Türkiye earthquake until Zakat Foundation of America gave her tools and training to rebuild her life.
Stories, Turkiye, Livelihoods
8/26/25
Sowing the Seeds of a New Future in Anatolia, Türkiye Through Livelihood Support
Discover how modern agricultural training in Anatolia, Türkiye empowers young farmers, boosts crop yields, and supports sustainable livelihoods for families.
Stories, Turkiye
Captured Moments
A Glimpse of Our Work
A delivery of a provision / صورة تظهر استلام المساعدات
A student at an orphan sponsored school / طفل يتيم في مدرسة الأيتام
A tender moment during a distribution / لحظة حنان اثناء التوزيع
A young artist enjoys drawing at the tent village after the earthquake / احدى الفتيات تمارس موهبتها في الرسم في قرية الخيام
A young beneficiary in Turkey / طفلة تحمل حلويات من توزيعات الزكاة
Children in the play tent at after the 2023 earthquake / لحظات من اللهو واللعب للأطفال في قرية الخيام
Hugs exchanged at the tent village for earthquake survivors / تبادل العناق في قرية الخيام
Mr. Halil Demir, Executive Director, chats with a group of survivors after the 2023 earthquake / السيد خليل دمير، المدير التنفيذي، يتحدث مع مجموعة من الناجين من زلزال عام 2023
Provisions delivered elicit smiles and gratitude / استلام المساعدات يبعث على الفرح والاطمئنان
Qurbani distributions
A gift as simple as a backpack makes dreams within reach
Mr. Halil Demir is greeted at the Eliyaman Women Empowerment training center by those seeking self-sufficiency
Our sponsored orphans enjoy their Eid celebration at a local park
Our team distributed backpacks to children helping them focus on building their future
The gift of warmth makes the winter months bearable for families in need
Our team ensure families have a warm iftar meal to break their fasts
This smile when given a winter coat will warm everyone's heart
When you share your plate you ensure iftar meals for families in need
Winter packages bring coal and firewood to families in need
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Emergency Relief
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