Colleges and students affiliated with the University of Oxford have supported efforts to respond to an earthquake of 7.8 magnitude affecting Syria and Turkey.
The earthquake has resulted in a death toll of more than 38,000 and has been called Europeâs worst natural disaster in 100 years. There are also growing concerns over sub-zero temperatures, sanitation issues and hygiene which could impede Syria and Turkeyâs recovery from the disaster. In Turkey, more than 1 million people have been displaced, with 5 million potential displacements in Syria. Issues in Syria have also been exacerbated by more than a decade of civil war, which has already resulted in significant internal displacement. Rebel-occupied areas of Syria are also encountering difficulty in receiving aid.
Susan Brown, leader of the Oxford City Council, and Councillor Shaista Aziz, Cabinet Member for Inclusive Communities, expressed âshock and sorrowâ over the âdevastatingâ earthquake. The pair stated that their âthoughts [were] with the Turkish and Syrian people and all those delivering the emergency responseâ as well as âTurkish and Syrian communities in Oxford, who will be anxious about their family, friends and compatriotsâ.
Somerville College and Wadham College issued statements in support of humanitarian efforts to respond to the earthquake. Somerville College stated that a âway we can all help is to contribute towards the relief effortsâ, asking students to consider donating to charities endorsed by Salma Daoudi, Vice President of the Universityâs Arab Society, and SĂŒleyman Selim ĂınaroÄlu, a member of the collegeâs MCR. Wadham College stated that âthoughts and sympathyâ were with those affected by the disaster. Mert Ayik, a first-year Law student at the College, commented on behalf of a group of Turkish students who collectively listed âreliable NGOs and initiatives which individuals might consider donating toâ. The Queenâs College also shared a link to a JustGiving page in support of recovery efforts that was later removed.
The Oxford Student also learned that The Queenâs College donated ÂŁ1000 to AFAD. St John’s College donated ÂŁ300 to AKUT and ÂŁ300 to Ahbap. Magdalen Collegeâs MCR also increased prices for drinks and brunch, with the additional profits donated to the British Red Cross.
Students and student-led societies have also been involved in efforts to provide aid. İpek ĆahbazoÄlu, Hazal Bulut, Suat Baris and İrem Kaki organised a bake sale which ran from the 11th to the 13th of February in Radcliffe Square and raised over ÂŁ9000. 20 people in total were involved in providing baked goods for sale and managing the stand throughout various shifts. Some of the funds raised from the bake sale were designated for the Syrian charity White Helmets, which helps to distribute aid to rebel-controlled areas of Syria.
The Oxford Turkish Society also established a GoFundMe page which has raised more than ÂŁ11,000 and the society will be collecting donations in the Oxford Union chamber on the 16th of February during a debate on Scottish independence. The society also promoted the student-led bake sale on social media. The Oxford University Islamic Society coordinated an emergency bake sale outside the Robert Hooke Building on Friday the 10th of February.
İpek ĆahbazoÄlu, one of the organisers of the student bake sale, commented that âI think I can speak for all of us when I say we are a bit disappointed in the support we receive from our colleges and the University. Funding-wise, they have been really generous, but to get it was a push. But in terms of recognising our distress and the justifiable disruption to our academic focus, not really.â
ĆahbazoÄlu did not have immediate family members affected by the disaster, but close family friends had still not heard from relatives and many of her friends had family that had been affected. However, she commented that âitâs not a matter of who you are related to or know. I think thatâs what weâre all disappointed over, as our distress is being dismissed as soon as we say our immediate family is fine. Thereâs a lot of guilt for us, as we can technically continue our studies uninterrupted when our friends in Turkey donât have that opportunity. Universities and schools are shut and being used as temporary accommodation for the affected.â
Arda Battalgazi, President of the Oxford University Turkish Society, commented that âthe Turkish community at Oxford is devastated – many have friends and family directly affected by the disaster. Weâre doing everything we can to fundraise and help them during this difficult timeâ.
Quotes and comments have been edited for clarity.
This article was amended to reflect St John’s College donating ÂŁ600 rather than ÂŁ1200 and to two different charities.