Red Crescent Week, celebrated annually from October 29 to November 4, is an important awareness event aimed at strengthening the consciousness of cooperation and solidarity and instilling these values in our society. The red crescent on a white background, the symbol of the Turkish Red Crescent, is recognized not only in our country but also worldwide as a powerful emblem of charity, humanity, and universal solidarity.
This symbol reflects the values of compassion, neutrality, and humanity that the Red Crescent represents in disaster areas and wherever there are people in need. It symbolizes a helping hand extended to all humanity without distinction of language, religion, race, or nation, becoming a universal expression of the effort to protect and sustain human dignity.
Founded in 1868 during the Ottoman Empire under the name "Hilal-i Ahmer," the Turkish Red Crescent operates inspired by the international Red Cross movement. The organization continues its assistance not only in natural disasters but also in challenging situations such as war zones, hunger crises, and health issues. The Red Crescent organizes youth camps to raise awareness of social responsibility and actively participates in international disasters.
By collecting over 80% of blood donations in Turkey, the Red Crescent provides significant health services and raises public awareness through first aid training courses. All of these activities are supported by international collaborations.
The Red Crescent’s philosophy of helping one another strengthens feelings of unity and togetherness in society, promoting peaceful coexistence. Various informational events organized during Red Crescent Week aim to raise awareness about the organization's purpose and activities in schools and community areas. The Red Crescent provides aid in the form of tents, blankets, food, clothing, and blood donations during disasters, establishes temporary hospitals and health centers for the injured, and opens soup kitchens to provide hot meals to those in need. These aids are financed through various sources, including membership fees, public donations, sales of badges and stamps, and state support.
As Istanbul Rumeli University, we believe that the awareness of cooperation needs to be strengthened during Red Crescent Week. We aim to further spread this culture of solidarity in society through our students and alumni. By keeping the spirit of solidarity alive in our community, we see it as our responsibility to uphold the values of the Red Crescent.
Let us remember, saving a life means changing a life.
