Tag: earthquake in Van

Turkcell Donates TRY5 Million to “Turkey’s Money-box” to Initiate Education Campaign in the Van Earthquake Zone

By Turkcell

Published: Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2012 – 1:41 am

ISTANBUL, February 15, 2012 — /PRNewswire/ —

Turkcell (NYSE: TKC, ISE: TCELL), the leading communications and technology company, has initiated an education campaign in the Van region, which continues to struggle with the unfolding and devastating effects of its recent earthquake, with a donation of TRY5 million. Supported by the Ministry of Education (MEB) and in partnership with the Turkish Education Foundation (TEV), the education campaign will be supported with a teachers’ campus and student dorm, as well as scholarships for promising students. Additionally, a communication center will be launched in Van-Ercis.

In a continuing effort to stand shoulder to shoulder with earthquake victims in the region, Turkcell, together with TEV, has appealed to all individuals, corporations and institutions for a collaborative gesture by donating to “Turkey’s Money-box” for the revival of Van. The project features a Teacher Campus consisting of 2+1 houses to be built on 5 acres of land and a dorm to be built on land of 1,500 square meters; each are to have a capacity of 100 people and feature surrounding social facilities. The Teacher Campus will enable teachers also to live with their families. Construction is set to commence in March 2012 and be completed in time for the new education term in September 2012. Additionally, 100 scholarships will be granted in association with TEV to successful students attending Industrial Occupation High Schools. The more donations there are, the greater number of teacher’s houses built and scholarships granted.

What’s more, in contribution to an improvement of the unemployment problem in Van, a communication center with 100 staff will be launched in Van-Ercis with the support of the MEB. The MEB Communication Center, to be open 7/24, will initially take calls related to MEB Educational Technologies. The call center is planned to be opened in March, and will employ staff from the neighborhood of Van with 50% being disabled.

Commenting on the project, Turkcell CEO Sureyya Ciliv said that “Right after the earthquake, we got together to meet the urgent requirements of people in the affected region. While delivering these services, we had one question in mind, “What else can be done?”. In answer to the question, we came up with this project, into which we put our minds, knowledge, experience, hearts, and the love that we feel for our people, in order to share in the future and hope of Turkey. Ciliv went on to comment that “People living in Turkey harbor a noble instinct to be helpful. With this value, we can unite to overcome even the most difficult situations in the hardest of times. We thought to ourselves, “Why not include more people and institutions in this movement to reach out to more people in need?”, and together with TEV we launched the “Turkey’s Money-box”. As Turkcell we initiated a transparent, accountable and an exemplary campaign, donated TRY5 million to the “Turkey’s Money-box”, and loudly deliver this simple message to all individuals and institutions: We will build a Teacher Campus and dorm with the support of the MEB to provide warmth to both teachers and students. We will also support education through scholarships. Let’s rebuild Van with every cent donated to “Turkey’s Money-box”. Let’s reach out to more people and revive Van!” Sureyya Ciliv concluded his comments by thanking the MEB and TEV for their cooperation in this project.

Individuals or institutions wishing to support the Teacher Campus project can donate towards the total TRY60,000 cost of a furnished house, whereby the property is named after them.

Donations can be made by sending an SMS to 5283 from Turkey and Northern Cyprus thereby making an automatic donation of TRY5, by writing VAN in the text body, or else online by credit card at . Additionally, money transfers can be made at the banks listed below.

*Akbank Ozel Bankacilik Nisantasi Branch (branch code 775) TRY account IBAN – TR50 0004 6007 7588 8000 0065 65 EURO account IBAN – TR91 0004 6007 7503 6000 6565 65

*YapıKrediBankasiEsentepeOzelBankacilikCenter (branch code 375) TRY account IBAN – TR88 0006 7010 0000 0000 0065 65 EURO account IBAN – TR07 0006 7010 0000 0000 6565 65

*Garanti Bankasi Mecidiyekoy Branch (branch code 119) TRY account IBAN – TR68 0006 2000 1190 0000 0065 65 EURO account IBAN – TR84 0006 2000 1190 0000 6565 65

*Is Bankasi Gayrettepe Branch (branch code 1080) TRY account IBAN – TR91 0006 4000 0011 0800 7679 03 EURO account IBAN – TR87 0006 4000 0021 0801 4815 02

*Vakiflar Bankasi Mecidiyekoy Branch (branch code 153) TRY account IBAN – TR94 0001 5001 5800 7299 6194 69 EURO account IBAN – TR60 0001 5001 5804 8013 2226 95

ABOUT TURKCELL

Turkcell is the leading communications and technology company in Turkey, with 34.4 million subscribers and a market share of approximately 53% as of September 30, 2011 (Source: Operator’s announcements as of September 30, 2011). Turkcell is a leading regional player, with market leadership in five of the nine countries in which it operates with its approximately 63.3 million subscribers as of September 30, 2011. The company covers approximately 87% of the Turkish population through its 3G and 99.07% through its 2G technology supported network. It has become one of the first among the global operators to have implemented HSDPA+ and achieved a 42.2 Mbps speed using the HSPA multi carrier solution. Turkcell reported a TRY2.5 billion (US$1.5 billion) net revenue with total assets of TRY16.6 billion (US$9.0 billion) as of September 30, 2011. It has been listed on the NYSE and the ISE since July 2000, and is the only NYSE-listed company in Turkey.

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For further information please contact Turkcell

Nihat Narin, Division Head of Investor and International Media Relations Tel: +90-212-313-1244 Email: nihat.narin@turkcell.com.tr

Banu Uzgur, International Media Relations Manager Tel: +90-212-313-1506 Email: banu.uzgur@turkcell.com.tr

investor.relations@turkcell.com.tr

You can now follow the most up-to-date Turkcell developments on twitter by clicking on the link below.

SOURCE Turkcell

February 16, 2012
Israeli delegation dedicates housing in Turkey

JERUSALEM (JTA) — A delegation from Israel’s Defense Ministry visited Turkey to dedicate a student village built with Israeli assistance.

The student village in eastern Turkey’s Van district was built from 130 prefabricated buildings sent by Israel as a humanitarian gesture following an earthquake three months ago that left some 600 dead and thousands homeless.

More than 800 students will live in the structures.

“After the harsh quake that occurred here, you came, you the Israelis, with a lot of material and a lot of willingness to help. And for this I thank you very much, from the bottom of my heart,” said district Vice Governor Ahmet Kazankyeh, according to a statement from the Israeli Defense Ministry. “You are our true friends, and the proof is what we see here. Only true friends can help so quickly and with such concern for their partners.”

In the immediate aftermath of the 7.2 magnitude quake, Turkey refused Israel’s assistance and turned down aid from other countries. But Ankara later accepted international help in housing the thousands of Turks who were without shelter. In addition to the housing units, Israel sent inflatable mattresses and blankets.

Relations between the former allies have been nearly nonexistent following an Israeli naval commando raid on the Gaza-bound flotilla ship Mavi Marmara in May 2010 that left nine Turkish nationals dead, including one dual Turkish-American citizen.

Turkey has demanded an Israeli apology for the deaths and compensation to the victims’ families. Israel has offered its “regret” for the deaths, and has said that its commandos fired in self-defense. Relations had been deteriorating since the 2008-09 Gaza war.

via Israeli delegation dedicates housing in Turkey | JTA – Jewish & Israel News.

February 16, 2012
Phool raises funds for Turkey quake victims

OUR STAFF REPORTER

LAHORE – Monthly “Phool”, a famous children magazine of Nawa-i-Waqt Group, on Saturday organised a ceremony to show solidarity and to generate donations for the victims of Turkey earthquake.

The ceremony was addressed by Pak-Turk Foundation Director Saadi Yaldarer, Akkas Harmain Sharifain Azmat Sheikh, Editor Monthly “Phool” Mohammad Shoaib Mirza and the other speakers. Mehral Qamar, Shanza Shoaib, Mehak Sabir, Malaika Sabir, Minahil Naeem, Rehan Ahmad, Sufian Ahmad and others donated money and gifts for the earthquake victims.

Speaking on the ceremony, Pak-Turk Foundation Director Saadi Yaldarer said “Both Pakistan and Turkey help each other in every need of hour. We are two countries but one nation”. He also applauded the spirit of “Phool” children team who donated their pocket money for the good cause that, he said, was a good omen.

The children of Pakistan, he applauded, are eager to make a contribution to help alleviate the sufferings of the earthquake victims.

Akkas Harmain Sharifain Azmat Sheikh said that the Muslims around the world are united. He also appreciated the efforts of “Phool” team, adding the ceremony had delivered a message of goodwill to the world.

Editor “Phool” Mohammad Shoaib Mirza said on the proposal of Anisa Fatima Qadri, a student speaker of first rank, this ceremony was planned.

He showed pleasure on the donations worth Rs 50,000 and hoped that these children would not borrow money in future. The Muslim world should rely on its own resources instead of looking for others’ assistance, he stressed. Anisa Fatima Qadri in her speech said that ties between the two countries would be made stronger.

A letter from a student of DG Khan was also delivered on the occasion that read “I feel pleasure to send my entire saving of Rs 1,000 to the earthquake victims of Turkey”.

The students of New Crescent School Samanabad sang National anthem on the occasion. The ceremony was concluded with the national anthems of both the countries.

via Phool raises funds for Turkey quake victims | Pakistan | News | Newspaper | Daily | English | Online.

December 19, 2011
Japanese doctor Miyazaki’s name given to park in İstanbul

Mayor Osman Develioğlu said the municipality decided to name of the park, previously called the “Trafik Eğitim ve Sivil Savunma Parkı” (Traffic Training and Civil Defense Park) for Miyazaki as a sign of respect for the humanitarian doctor’s memory. (Photo: Cihan)

A park in İstanbul’s Bahçelievler district has been named for Japanese doctor Atsushi Miyazaki, who was killed when his hotel collapsed in a magnitude 5.6 earthquake last week in Turkey’s eastern province of Van, where he had come with Japan’s Association for Aid and Relief to help victims of an earlier earthquake that occurred on Oct. 23.

Talking to reporters at a ceremony held by Bahçelievler Municipality, Mayor Osman Develioğlu said the municipality decided to name of the park, previously called the “Trafik Eğitim ve Sivil Savunma Parkı” (Traffic Training and Civil Defense Park) for Miyazaki as a sign of respect for the humanitarian doctor’s memory.

Pointing out that many people came to Turkey from foreign countries to help victims of the quake, Develioğlu said that Azerbaijani and Japanese citizens worked especially hard in the earthquake zone, rescuing victims from the rubble. Offering his condolences to Miyazaki’s family, Develioğlu added “Miyazaki was one of [the international rescuers], and was killed in the earthquake zone, for which we are very sorry. I want to thank all the people who rushed to Turkey to help the victims of the quake.”

via Japanese doctor Miyazaki’s name given to park in İstanbul.

November 15, 2011
Citizens of Turkey send thank-you letters to Azerbaijani President

[ 02 Nov 2011 18:08 ]

“Immediate aid sent from Azerbaijan to Turkey – the quake-hit region once more proved that no other states can be as united as we are”

Baku. Parvin Abbasov – APA. Citizens of Turkey have written letters to Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev, APA reports. They expressed their gratitude to Ilham Aliyev for sending rescue team and other aids from Azerbaijan immediately after the quake hit Van.

Erdem Keskin from Ankara writes: “Even 108 hours after the quake, Azerbaijani rescuers did not stop working and saved a young man named Isa. As a citizen of Turkish Republic I would like to express my gratitude to all members of the rescue team and to you.”

Hakan Sen from Ankara writes: “Immediate aid sent from Azerbaijan to Turkey – the quake-hit region once more proved the brotherhood of these two states. It is a proud to know that such a fraternal country always supports Turkey. It has made all the nations to realize this brotherhood, once more proved that no other states can be as united as we are. On behalf of the sufferers, my country, its citizens and on my own behalf I express my gratitude to you for your aid to the citizens of Turkey.”

Fikret Done from Konya: “Dear Mr. President, I am endlessly thankful to You and brotherly Azerbaijan for sensitive attitude and assistance to the quake-hit people of Van”.

7.2-magnitude quake hit Van province of Turkey on October 23, 2011. According to the official statistics, 601 people were killed, 4152 injured, 188 pulled alive from the rubbles.

Azerbaijan sent 1250 tents, 6050 blankets, 40 generators, 40 kitchen sets, more than 850 warm bed linens to Turkey. Totally Azerbaijan sent a humanitarian aid in amount of USD 1 800 000 to Turkey.

213 rescuers of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Azerbaijan participated in rescue operations in the quake-hit region. Azerbaijani rescuers pulled 12 people alive and 60 bodies from the rubbles.

via APA – Citizens of Turkey send thank-you letters to Azerbaijani President.

November 3, 2011
Turkey Earthquake Results in Insult to Affected Kurds

By Pelin Turgut / Istanbul Sunday, Oct. 30, 2011

Earthquake survivors survey the damage in the eastern Turkish town of Ercis October 28, 2011. Osman Orsal / Reuters

A window for peace is often more of a slight crack, fleeting and ephemeral, here one minute, gone the next. If there was any solace following Sunday’s devastating 7.2 earthquake in Van, a desperately poor region in Turkey’s mainly Kurdish southeast, it appeared — for a moment — to offer just that. The quake, in which more than 500 people have been confirmed dead and tens of thousands left homeless, came as Turkish-Kurdish tensions flared in the wake of an attack that killed 24 Turkish soldiers last week. Turkey subsequently launched its biggest cross-border operation in a decade in pursuit of Kurdish separatist guerrillas based in the mountains of north Iraq.

Hours after the quake, on Facebook, Twitter and via SMS campaigns, millions of people across the country began organizing aid shipments and donation drives for Van. One journalist’s Twitter offer of a spare room for quake survivors — #MyHouseisYourHouseVan — became a nationwide cause with 20,000 people signing up their homes that day. For the first time ever, rival Turkish TV stations united for a special broadcast, One Heart for Van, raising $35.5 million.(Turkey’s Earthquake Toll a Grim Reminder of Lessons not Learned.)

“Despite all the counter propaganda and inflated nationalism, people are expressing a desire and will to live together. This disaster has presented us an opportunity for peace that we can’t afford to lose,” says Sezgin Tanrikulu, deputy chairman of the opposition People’s Republican Party (CHP).

But a darker undercurrent of knee-jerk nationalism — both Turkish and Kurdish — emerged too. A newscaster on Turkey’s popular Haberturk TV caused an outcry when she said backhandedly, “Even though this earthquake happened in Van, in the east of the country, we’re still sorry.” She apologized shortly afterwards, saying it was a slip of the tongue. “That kind of nationalism was latent before, now people are saying it out loud. The point is that it reflects a deeper social malaise: Turks and Kurds have come to a breaking point,” says Mustafa Gundogdu, of the Kurdish Human Rights Project in London.

The initial goodwill was quickly dampened by reports of aid boxes arriving packed with sticks, stones and Turkish flags. On twitter, some said the quake was “divine retribution” for the deaths of Turkish soldiers. “We are quite literally at the last exit before the bridge when it comes to resolving the Kurdish question,” says Tanrikulu. “People are becoming increasingly polarized.”(After Turkey’s Earthquake: When Will the World Wise Up About Natural Disasters?)

Meanwhile, Kurdish and Turkish politicians sparred over the rescue effort. Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan accused the pro-Kurdish BDP, which governs much of the southeast, of not doing its part. “Those who are there to throw stones and Molotov cocktails at the police and army, are nowhere to be seen during a disaster,” he said. In turn, the BDP was quick to accuse the government of bias against their constituents. “Politics, and I am part of it, can’t seem to move beyond internal power struggles,” says Tanrikulu. “It drags the country along without addressing people’s real problems.”

Erdogan has done more than previous governments to address Turkey’s festering Kurdish conflict, which has claimed more than 30,000 lives since the separatist PKK first took up arms for Kurdish self-rule in 1984. In keeping with European Union-mandated reforms, he eased bans on Kurdish language and media and spoke for the first time of “our Kurdish problem.” As he trimmed back the powerful military’s influence, hopes were that a peaceful end to the conflict might be at hand.

Instead it has worsened in recent months — against the backdrop of the Arab Spring, the PKK has stepped up its violent campaign and Erdogan has become more hardline. The continued deaths of young conscripts has fuelled Turkish nationalism while the Kurdish nationalist movement too has evolved, buoyed by the emergence of a largely autonomous Kurdish region in north Iraq that is prospering.(Photos: 7.2 Earthquake Hits Turkey.)

Reports recently emerged that Erdogan had appointed negotiators to hold peace talks with jailed PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan — under the eye of unnamed western observers. But those talks failed — for reasons as yet unknown. “We want a democratic, dialogue based solution to this problem,” senior PKK commander Murat Karayilan said on Thursday, according to the Firat news agency, though he did not offer a ceasefire. “Negotiations with our leader [Ocalan] should continue.”

Meanwhile in Van on Friday, Erdogan’s ministers finally met with BDP deputies to discuss post-quake relief efforts. All emerged cautiously positive. “All the problems stem from a lack of dialogue,” said Leyla Zana, a Kurdish MP. Ironically, Turkey is not a stranger to the power of goodwill to bring about difficult political change. A devastating earthquake in western Turkey in 1999, followed by one in Greece, unleashed an outpouring of mutual aid that laid the ground for eventual political rapprochement and ended decades of intense hostility between the two countries. There may still be hope for Turkish relations with the Kurds.

via Turkey Earthquake Results in Insult to Affected Kurds – TIME.

October 31, 2011