Newsletters
A group of retailers at several Istanbul shopping centers will hand over all revenue earned on Sunday, October 12, to support civilians in Gaza as part of a joint aid campaign run with humanitarian NGOs.
Organizers said the effort sits under the banner "Be Hope for Gaza" and is carried out with the Humanitarian Relief Foundation (IHH) and other foundations.
The donations will come from stores operating inside three malls: Sur Yapi Metrogarden in Umraniye, Axis Kagithane in Kagithane, and Axis Istanbul in Eyupsultan. For readers unfamiliar with local terms, AVM is the Turkish abbreviation widely used for “shopping mall.”
Event coordinator Omer Faruk Serdar said the plan took shape after shopkeepers reached out to build on a recent grassroots awareness drive launched in Uskudar.
He noted that the newer effort has quickly drawn in many different groups.
“This awareness effort made a serious impact. Under the heading ‘Uskudar’dan Gazze’ye Gonul Koprusu,’ we reached very different audiences,” he said, adding that the AVM-focused drive expanded within about two weeks to include 73 stores.
Malls will be decorated with Palestinian flags and will host a “Gaza”-themed exhibition to bring in visitors and keep interest high throughout the weekend.
On Saturday, October 11, organizers will also set up a Hayir Carsisi (a charity marketplace) inside the AVMs so visitors can make donations on-site. For international readers, STK in Turkish refers to non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
Retailers who signed on said they are ready to part with a full day’s income to back the cause. Store owner Omer Sultan Gumusbas said they will take part from Oct. 11–12 and pass along proceeds from one day of trade. “We must support them by sharing our means,” he said.
Alongside donations, organizers plan workshops, children’s art activities, and displays of artworks to keep families engaged and to channel foot traffic toward the campaign stands.
Serdar said 27 NGOs have joined the charity marketplace, and he expects strong public backing over the weekend.
2 min read
