The toll from the devastating earthquakes that ravaged Southeastern Turkey and Syria is rising every day.

The city of Antakya in the Hatay province is among the most severely affected populated areas. It is also the hometown of my mother, aunts, uncle, and grandmother.

In light of information received from our relatives and friends in the area, we have seen that the aid reaching Antakya, Arsuz, Altınözü, Reyhanlı and the villages surrounding these regions has so far been insufficient. Only a small fraction of the general aid distribution has reached these areas. Due to the deficit in direct aid, we have decided to fundraise to send material and financial support to this underserved region.

The funds collected through this GoFundMe will be distributed as direct deposits to survivors in need of immediate financial support. We will try to balance the distribution to reach as many affected families as we can contact in the aforementioned areas while keeping a meaningful amount (around $500) per family.

Once funds are raised, I will be posting receipts of the transactions in this Google Doc

The distribution will be organized and overseen by myself; Lale, Cem, Şükrü Alemdar; and Murat Rüstemoğlu. My uncle Murat is an Antakya resident and is currently involved in local efforts to connect aid to individuals in need.

The need for aid will be ongoing as survivors try to adapt and rebuild after a catastrophe of this scale. Any and all amount of help will personally touch the lives of those currently suffering through this most difficult time. Please contribute what you can and share this page.