Turkish charity to sacrifice animals in 51 countries

By Tezcan Ekizler

IZMIR, Turkey (AA) - The Turkish Red Crescent (Kizilay) will sacrifice animals across 51 countries as part of festivities of the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Adha, its head said on Monday.

Speaking at a slaughterhouse located in the Aegean coastal province of Izmir, Mehmet Kinik said the Red Crescent will sacrifice 180,000 shares of animals.

Regarding the foundation's activities on Eid al-Adha, Kinik said they aimed to distribute the shares of animals to 4.5 million people, including 2.5 million in Turkey and 2 million abroad.

He said that meat from the sacrificed animals will be cooked and canned at a facility located in Izmir’s Kemalpasa district.

He added that they will distribute the cans to those who are in need all year round.

Kizilay is the largest humanitarian organization in Turkey, with an international network through which it provides relief to other nations in need.

It was founded on June 11, 1868 as the Society for Aiding the Wounded and Ailing Ottoman Soldiers.

*Writing by Gozde Bayar