The Turkish Humanitarian Relief Foundation (IHH), established in 1992 and officially institutionalized in 1995, opened a new office in Damascus to enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of relief operations in Syria. Headquartered in Istanbul, the foundation provides aid to victims of war, natural disasters, and displacement, offering both material and financial assistance while supporting reconstruction and social initiatives in affected areas.
During the opening ceremony, IHH Secretary-General Ahmet Kocen highlighted the importance of the new office in coordinating relief efforts more efficiently and deepening cooperation with the Syrian people. He said the Damascus office represents a step toward greater stability and long-term support for communities rebuilding their lives.
Damascus Welcomes Broader Humanitarian cooperation
Damascus Governor Maher Marwan al-Idlibi welcomed the foundation’s expansion, affirming the city’s readiness to strengthen humanitarian partnerships at all levels. He noted that Turkey has long supported Syria through health services, charitable work, and small and medium-sized enterprise initiatives, in addition to providing rehabilitation, training, and essential supplies for affected communities.
Governor of Damascus Countryside Amer al-Sheikh commended IHH’s extensive humanitarian role during the years of conflict, particularly its contributions in healthcare, education, and humanitarian diplomacy. He said the new office reflects the continuity of the foundation’s engagement with Syrians and its commitment to rebuilding a new Syria. Sheikh also expressed appreciation for the collective efforts of donors, humanitarian organizations, and the close cooperation with Syrian government institutions overseeing relief work.
Strengthening coordination Across Syria
Burhan Koroglu, chargé d’affaires of the Turkish Embassy in Damascus, noted IHH’s earlier activities had been concentrated in northern Syria and within Turkey to assist refugees. With the new office, he said, the foundation aims to expand its reach to serve all Syrian regions and overcome logistical challenges caused by years of conflict and destruction.
Saad Baroud, director of the Department of International Organizations and International conferences at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, praised IHH’s longstanding partnership with Syria and its effective role in humanitarian diplomacy, emphasizing such initiatives contribute to rebuilding trust and cooperation between institutions and international partners.
