Big Kildare Interview: Turkish man in Naas helps quake victims

A Turkish national living in Naas is campaigning to help those affected by the recent disaster in his homeland and Syria.

Tens of thousands of people have been confirmed dead following the catastrophic earthquake that hit the country on February 6.

Upsetting images showing distraught and injured survivors have made headlines worldwide.

Ibrahim Kurta of Paddy the Turk Barbers on South Main Street, Naas was born in the city of Aydin but has lived in Ireland for 18 years.

When asked about how he feels about living in Ireland, Mr Kurta told the Leinster Leader: "I love living in Ireland, it’s a great country; the people are fantastic and there are great opportunities here for a successful life."

Mr Kurta explained that he is currently taking in donations through his business, and he will bring the donations to the Turkish Embassy in Dublin every second day.

He added: "I have also set up a GoFundMe page, where you can donate as little or as much as you can. Your donation, big or small, will help the Turkish people during this dark time."

When asked about his personal reaction to the disaster currently ravaging Turkey and Syria, Mr Kurta said: "I am absolutely devastated and heartbroken… The images on the news have been harrowing.

"I looked into travelling there in order to help, but unfortunately I can’t get there, as the roads are all ripped up, so I am now here trying my best to do all I can to help. I would go in a heartbeat."

He continued: "I have friends in the affected area, who woke up in the middle of the night, and just got out of their home when it collapsed in front of them."

"(There is) despair in their voices… (they are) seeing family, friends, and neighbours trapped, and in some cases, feared dead. (The relief effort) is now about getting people to safety and providing them with warmth, as it is extremely cold over there at the moment."

Mr Kurta has also provided a list of items that are being sought for the relief effort.

These items include clothes, tents, sleeping bags, vacuum flasks, blankets, baby food and diapers.

The fundraiser has a €1,000 goal and can be found on GoFundMe and via the official Paddy the Turk Facebook page.

A spokesperson for the Department of Foreign Affairs told the Leader: "The government has pledged €1 million in direct humanitarian assistance to the people of Türkiye, through the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies in support of the Turkish Red Crescent operation.

"We are also providing €1 million of direct support to response efforts in Syria. This assistance will support immediate and urgent humanitarian needs."

The spokesperson added that the Department is 'coordinating with relevant UN agencies on their needs, and is ready to deploy experts immediately, as soon as requests are received.'

A Book of Condolences for the victims has opened at Kildare County Council’s Aras Chill Dara HQ in Naas after a formal request by Mayor of Kildare, Councillor Fintan Brett.