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Members of Tanzania’s Maasai tribe joined the public run of the Türkiye Isbank 47th Eurasia Marathon on Sunday to raise awareness of severe water shortages affecting millions of people in Africa.
Wearing traditional dress and carrying water buckets, the participants symbolized the long journeys many in rural regions must take daily to obtain clean water.
The initiative was organized together with the International Water Well Aid Association, which operates water-access projects in Africa and other regions experiencing water scarcity. Maasai representatives and association volunteers ran alongside thousands of participants, receiving applause and support from runners and spectators.
Fatih Sultan Mehmet Akyol, head of the Youth Unit of the association, said the group joined the marathon to raise public awareness about the global water crisis.
“Water is a cultural and civilizational foundation,” Akyol said. “Civilizations have developed around water. Hosting our Maasai guests here aims to draw attention to the global water issue and inspire awareness and support.”
Zeynep Eslem Tumer, who leads international youth activities within the association, emphasized the importance of showing solidarity with communities facing serious water challenges. She noted that millions across Africa still struggle to reach safe water sources.
Masai representative Adam Chogi explained the harsh reality in their region.
“In our area, water is far from our villages,” Chogi said. “Women often walk six to seven hours just to bring water home.” He highlighted the health and social problems caused by limited water access and called on the Turkish public to support water-aid efforts.
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