- 2 June 2026
The February 6, 2023 Maraş Earthquake...
February 6, 2023… A roar tearing through the silence of a winter night, leaving behind dust, smoke, and tears… The 7.7 and 7.6 magnitude earthquakes that struck Kahramanmaraş plunged Türkiye into mourning. Collapsed buildings, hopes buried beneath the rubble, cries of anguish, and the terror of a dark night…
From the very first moment of the disaster, all of Türkiye mobilized. Search and rescue operations, aid trucks, meeting urgent needs… Everyone did their utmost to heal the wounds. In the 10 provinces affected by the earthquake, hope began to blossom once again. The earthquake did not only destroy buildings; it also destroyed the homes of many families. Basic needs such as food, clothing, and shelter became matters requiring urgent attention. İla Association was aware of these needs and did not delay in extending a helping hand.
A Glimmer of Hope at the Table
From the very first day of the earthquake, İla Association carried out hot meal distributions for the citizens affected by the disaster. Gathering around iftar tables, the earthquake survivors not only ate a warm meal but also felt that they were not alone.
Through its zakat aid, İla Association met the basic needs of families affected by the earthquake. Aid such as food, clothing, and hygiene supplies was delivered to those in need.
The holidays could have brought a bittersweet joy for the children affected by the earthquake. İla Association, through its festive clothing aid, brought that joy back to life. Wearing their new holiday clothes, the children, with smiles on their faces, shared in the festive spirit.
The February 6 earthquake went down in history as a disaster that will be etched into Türkiye’s memory. The suffering and losses endured will never be forgotten. Yet the hope and solidarity that blossomed in the aftermath of this disaster must not be forgotten either. The work of aid organizations such as İla Association helps this beacon of hope burn even brighter. We pray for God’s mercy upon the citizens who lost their lives in the earthquake, and a swift recovery for the injured. Throughout this difficult time, we wish patience and fortitude to all of Türkiye.
