Public Statement

Last night we found out with regret that while debris removal operations were continuing in the Kışlasaray neighbourhood in Antakya district of Hatay province, two trees in front of Çiçek Apartmanı were destroyed with a digger and that the relevant company donated saplings to the TEMA Foundation. 

The trees were cut yesterday morning. The sapling donation process was made electronically on our website in the evening, and an electronic certificate was automatically sent from the system. The donor company did not contact us beforehand, and we were not given any explanation as to why the donation was made.

Whatever the reason, the destruction of these trees means the destruction of the life around them and the memory of the city. Undoubtedly, TEMA Foundation cannot accept this situation. 

After understanding the situation, the relevant company was contacted, and an agreement was made to use the donation for afforestation works to be carried out in Hatay. Otherwise, we would like to inform you that the donation made to our Foundation is planned to be returned back. 

On this sad occasion, we would like to reiterate that we stand by Hatay and its people, one of the provinces that suffered great damage in the earthquake disaster occurring in February and deeply saddened us all. We will continue our afforestation and conservation efforts in Hatay and every corner of Türkiye with all our strength.

We respectfully announce to the public.

TEMA Foundation