site.btaThree-Day Fundraising Campaign for Palestinians in Gaza Begins in Uskudar District of Istanbul

Nearly 100 merchants, craftsmen, restaurant owners, and waiters from the commercial “Gastronomy Street” in Istanbul’s Uskudar district will donate one day’s earnings from their businesses to support Palestinians in Gaza, reports the Turkish outlet Haberler. The street is decorated with Turkish and Palestinian flags, alongside banners reading “We Are All Gaza” and “Make Your Contribution.”

The initiative is part of a three-day solidarity campaign with the people of Gaza, titled “Bridge of Hearts,” said Kemal Ozdal, chairman of the civic association “Stone for Alms” and organizer of the campaign.

“Our campaign is not just about donations, but a defenve of human dignity through the hard work of our merchants and artisans. By donating their daily income to Gaza, they take moral responsibility and raise social awareness. Acting in a spirit of unity, they are setting an example with an initiative we hope will spread across all of Turkey. This is our voice against the crimes committed against our brothers in Gaza and the silence of the international community, which only deepens this tragedy,” he said at a press conference.

Proceeds from an art exhibition featuring street artists’ paintings on the theme “Gaza” will be donated to the people there. The artists are creating their works accompanied by local musicians, who are also contributing in this way.

As part of the campaign, on Saturday and Sunday, a charity bazaar is being held in the courtyard of Uskudar’s largest mosque, Valide-i Cedid, to raise funds for Gaza.

According to several participants, Gaza is a sensitive topic for the people of Uskudar.

“There is definitely interest and participation in the campaign. The shops are full of customers. We are confident that we are doing the right thing. We hope our initiative will resonate in other cities and regions, and that the voice of Gaza will be heard,” said Hakan Durmus owner of a doner kebab stand, to Haberler.

Uskudar is a historic and picturesque district on the shore of the Bosphorus with a population of over 500,000. It features a large commercial network of malls, private shops, culinary establishments, and street markets.