TURKEY: Khatun (Hatune) Doğan Foundation launches project to support children in Tur Abdin

TUR ABDIN — Sister Khatun (Hatune) Doğan, a member of the Syriac Orthodox Church and renowned for her humanitarian work, recently published a letter addressing her extensive relief efforts around the world, including the challenges and criticisms she has faced.

In her letter, Doğan acknowledged the criticism from some Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) individuals who questioned her assistance to other communities. Responding to these critiques, she reflected on the painful history of the Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) people and expressed her distrust of Turkish laws, citing instability in the country and the impact of government and Islamist actions on local projects.

“Since Syriac people were unable to benefit from my foundation’s projects, I decided in 2020 to examine the situation in Tur Abdin more closely,” Doğan explained. “I visited the area and inspected the abandoned villages.”

Determined to make a difference, Doğan launched the Tur Abdin Children’s Support project, aimed at helping Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) families remain in their homeland and ensuring their children’s education. She now visits the region twice a year, registering children and their families to provide them with financial assistance.

Through this initiative, Doğan continues her commitment to sustaining Syriac culture and supporting those in need.