Turkey

Map & Basic Information

Area

780,576 square kilometers
Population

83,614,362 (2020, Turkish National Statistics Agency).
Capital

Ankara
Ethnicity

Turks and others (Kurds mainly in the southeast, Armenians, Greeks, Jews, etc.)
Language

Turkish (official language)
Religion

Mostly Muslim (Sunni, and a few Alawites) and others including Greek Orthodox, Armenian Orthodox and Jews.

Source:Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan

Issues to be addressed

Turkey is hosting more than 3.6 million Syrian refugees^* who have fled from the civil war since 2011, and the majority are living not in refugee camps but in urban areas. Many of them are unable to access public services due to a lack of sufficient information, and it is also difficult for them to find a job that ensures stable incomes. Frictions between refugees and host communities are often observed.

※https://www.unhcr.org/jp/global_trends_2019

Activities

Support to enable to implement
activities by themselves

The scene of an event for children held bylocal organization.

We provide capacity-building training in areas such as organizational management and administrative tasks to empower local organizations to independently carry our refugee support activities, including refugee protection and individual assistance.

Support for Turkey Earthquake Victims

Victims living in tents at unofficial sites.

We distribute food and essential supplies to the evacuees affected by the major earthquake that occurred in February 2023. We also provide mental health support by offering counseling, setting up community spaces where earthquake victims can feel safe and secure, and opportunities for social interaction.

Major Activities in Past

2011 - 2012

Emergency support for East Turkey Earthquake

Upon an earthquake of magnitude 7.2 in the eastern part of Turkey on 23 October 2011, we dispatched an emergency relief team to distribute food and daily necessities.
2012 - 2013

Support project for children
with disabilities

We provided walking aids and learning materials to a special education rehabilitation center to help promoting rehabilitation for children with disabilities and to facilitate their social participation.
2017 - 2020

Establishment of a child
friendly space

We operated a facility where children can play and grow safely, and at the same time, Syrian refugees and Turkish locals can socialize each other.