The Aid Commission of the Bülbülzade Foundation hosted its volunteers who support its aid activities as part of the traditional iftar program held at Zade Life Hotel.
The Aid Commission of the Bülbülzade Foundation brought together all its stakeholders at the loyalty iftar organized to strengthen the spiritual atmosphere of Ramadan and the spirit of solidarity. The program, attended by volunteers contributing to the humanitarian aid activities carried out within the foundation, took place in a sincere atmosphere. Delivering the opening speech of the evening, Rabia Aldemir, President of the Mozaik Women’s Association, stated that fasting and charity provide an opportunity for individuals to create distance between themselves and property. Aldemir reminded that avoiding arrogance while helping others and protecting the dignity of those in need are among the most fundamental responsibilities.
PROPERTY IS WHAT THE HEART FLOWS TOWARD
In her speech, Rabia Aldemir addressed the philosophical and spiritual dimensions of solidarity and drew attention to the origin of the concept of property, saying: “What we call wealth and property comes from the root of the word inclination. Inclination means the thing toward which the heart flows. As human beings, we have an inclination toward the things our hearts flow to. Our hearts flow toward beautiful and good things.” With these words, she expressed that property is essentially a flow of the heart. Aldemir also noted that this inclination should not turn into passion, pointing out that fasting, prayer, and almsgiving balance this bond and purify the individual.
WE MUST AVOID ARROGANCE
Pointing out that the desire to gain prestige while doing good may reach a dangerous point, Aldemir said, “This feeling creates something very dangerous in those who give: arrogance. This dangerous aspect of worship is mentioned so often in Islamic jurisprudence and in the Qur’an; it is said that the left hand should not know what the right hand gives.” With these words, she emphasized the importance of discretion in genuine charity. Aldemir also stated that they aim to create an environment in the foundation’s charity store where the wealthy and those in need cannot be distinguished, adding that only with such an understanding can humanity truly be served.
THE SPIRIT OF SOLIDARITY BECOMES HOPE FOR THE FUTURE
Turgay Aldemir, President of the Bülbülzade Foundation, stated that the aid activities they have carried out uninterruptedly since 1993 have today turned into a great caravan of goodness. Aldemir emphasized that solidarity activities are not only material support but also build a bond of brotherhood. He noted that the presence of young people coming from different parts of the world to volunteer in the activities in Gaziantep demonstrates the universal character of this movement, and he expressed his gratitude to all the team members who contributed to this process.
DEDICATED VOLUNTEERS WERE HONORED WITH GIFTS
Aid Commission Chair Yasemin Aksu and Commission Member Meryem Yılmaz expressed their appreciation in their greeting speeches for the dedication shown by volunteers in the field. Meryem Yılmaz explained that they examined the records of the last three years and identified the names that participated most regularly in the warehouse and store activities. Among the team that prepared 88,862 items for those in need through eight weeks of intensive effort, eight volunteers were presented with plaques of appreciation and gifts.
THOSE WHO SUPPORT THE CARAVAN OF GOODNESS TOOK THE STAGE
During the ceremony, Zeynep Türkoğlu, Hale Eid, Bani Sezgin, Filiz Nacaroğlu, Nursel Kaplan, Hanna İbrahim, Elif Kökmen and Gülten Kaya were among those honored for their outstanding efforts. The program, where guest volunteers coming from different regions such as the United States, France and East Turkestan and serving in the foundation’s charity store also shared their experiences, concluded with commemorative photographs.
