Turkey: Syrians applaud conditions in refugee camps

By Salim Tas

HATAY, Turkey (AA) - Syrian refugees fleeing war and violence in their home country continue to praise the conditions in refugee centers in Turkey.

The camps provide for the needs of refugees including education, health and infrastructure.

One of the modern camps is the 102,000-square meters (25 acres) Yayladagi temporary refugee center in Turkey's southern Hatay province, which houses over 4,000 refugees in 776 dwellings.

The camp includes a clinic, school, library, mosque, football pitch, three playgrounds and a child protection center run by the Turkish Red Crescent, and is served by nearly 200 staff working around the clock.

One refugee, Halit Sakalli, who fled to Turkey in 2016, said the country "accepted and embraced" him and his family.

"Turkey provides us with all kinds of help and support," he said.

Riyad Ablak also resides in the camp, where he came with his wife and children eight years ago.

He said they appreciated Turkey's efforts for the refugees and thanked authorities.

Boynuyogun camp is another temporary refugee center in Altinozu, also in Hatay.

The center was established in an area of 140,000 square meters (over 35 acres) and comprises of 2,056 temporary houses for over 2,500 refugees.

The camp provides the same services and facilities as do other refugee camps in the country, as well as scouting and sports centers, a basketball court and a greenhouse.

Over 150 staff work to provide services for the refugees.

Muhammet Rahe, a refugee in the camp, said he always prays for Turkey.

"Turkey is the only country that stands by the Syrian people and helped the refugees," he said.

* Writing by Fahri Aksut