“This foundation is my only legacy”

Tülin Batmaz, the mother who lost her 15-year-old twins Sayra and Çınar in the Izmir earthquake, established a foundation in their name and has extended a helping hand to 12 thousand children so far, met with Izmir University of Economics (IUE) students at a panel. Despite experiencing great pain, Batmaz did not detach herself from life but initiated the ‘Enkazdan doğan iyilik ikizim’ kindness movement, becoming an example for Turkey with her determination, hope, and love. Batmaz said, “The only legacy I will leave for the future is this foundation I established in the name of my children. I have devoted all my energy, time, and life to this foundation. I will do whatever I can to beautify the lives of children, open doors to their dreams, and ensure they look forward to the future with confidence.” Following the panel, a cooperation protocol was signed between the Sayra&Çınar Foundation and Izmir University of Economics.

IUE Rector Prof. Dr. Yusuf Hakan Abacıoğlu, Advisor to the Rector Asst. Prof. Dr. Burçin Önder and many students attended the panel that was organized as part of the Campus Izmir Talks. At the panel held in the IUE Foyer, Tülin Batmaz discussed the foundation's activities and its targeted projects.

THE WAY TO MAKE A BETTER FUTURE IS THROUGH EDUCATION

Stating that despite being established less than 1.5 years ago, the foundation has rapidly grown, Batmaz said, “When we established this foundation, our goal was to reach out to children and other needy individuals, help those affected by accidents or disasters, and also engage in social and cultural activities while accomplishing these. In a short time, we have made considerable progress in these areas. We know that the path to beautifying our future lies in education. Thanks to the support of donors, we contribute to the education of high school and university students. The Foundation has reached more than 12 thousand children so far. We have planted over 5 thousand trees to date. By opening libraries, we have introduced more than 5 thousand children to books. We have organized awareness workshops with over 100 young people.”

THEY ALSO REACHED OUT TO AFRICA

Batmaz continued as follows: “After the Kahramanmaraş earthquake, we collected 3 truckloads of humanitarian aid for the earthquake victims. We also provided clothing and shoes to 5 thousand children. We delivered over 35 tons of drinking water to the earthquake-stricken area. We hosted one thousand 500 earthquake victims for iftar dinner in our city. We worked for the future of children not only in our country but also in Africa. By opening 5 water wells in Africa, we have brought water to over 10 thousand people. We also gave slippers and toys to children in the region.”

THEY WOULD BE UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

Responding to a question from students about how she felt when she heard about the Kahramanmaraş earthquake as someone who experienced the pain of the earthquake, Batmaz said, “It is impossible for me to express in words the helplessness, pain, and hopelessness caused by the earthquake. I lost my two children, whom I called my world, my everything, in the earthquake. If they were alive, they would be 19 years old and would be in university like you are now. This is the first time I have been a guest at a university. Even now, while I am talking to you, I feel these emotions. I experienced the greatest pain a mother could ever experience. But I didn't give up for my children. When I first learned about the Kahramanmaraş earthquake and saw the destruction, I thought about how we could reach the people there as soon as possible, what we could do. As a foundation, we tried to do whatever we could.”

I HELD ON TO LIFE WITH MY LOVE FOR MY CHILDREN

Stating that she continues to meet with many earthquake victims in the earthquake-stricken area, Batmaz said, “Those pains will never be erased throughout life. No matter what we do, many things will never come back. But regardless, we should never give up on solidarity, love, and hope. There are many people who experience similar pains to mine in the earthquake-stricken area. I meet and talk to them. Sometimes we try to alleviate each other's pain, and sometimes we discuss what we can do for the people in that region. They ask me, ‘How did you endure? How did you hold on to life?’ I say, it is my love and devotion to my children that kept me in life. The foundation is so valuable and meaningful for me.”

DON'T LET IT OVERWHELM YOU

Offering special advice to young people, Tülin Batmaz said, “There may be times in life when you get tired, very sad, or bored. You may also experience suffering. But never give up because of these. Think about what I've been through. Then you may realize that some of the things you are upset about are actually simple situations that could happen to any of us in life. Don't let the negativities you experience hold you back from life. Some young people around me say, ‘We want to get involved in social responsibility, but we don't know what to do.’ I'm telling you clearly: come and be a volunteer for our foundation. It's not always about providing financial assistance. We don't demand that something material be offered to be involved in our foundation. If you can't do anything else, join our activities, show your support. Don't say, ‘What difference can one person make?’ We have slowly but surely grown our foundation like a snowball. Join us, let's all together grow the kindness born from the rubble.”

I WANT TO KEEP MY CHILDREN'S NAME ALIVE WITH KINDNESS

Expressing that she has dedicated her life to the Sayra&Çınar Foundation, Batmaz said, “I use all my material and spiritual power for our foundation. For me now, the only legacy is this foundation where I keep my children's name alive. I want my children's name to live with kindness and love. What could be more valuable than this? We have also taken steps towards establishing an association for children, and we want to realize this in a short time. Because there is a need for this nationwide. We will continue our efforts with determination, and we will continue to exist to give hope to children.”

PROTOCOL SIGNED: MESSAGE FROM THE RECTOR 'WE SUPPORT YOU'

Following the panel, a cooperation protocol was signed by IUE Rector Prof. Dr. Hakan Abacıoğlu and Foundation President Tülin Batmaz, which allows the Sayra&Çınar Foundation to benefit from the physical facilities of the campus, host events on IUE campus, and carry out activities for students. Speaking at the signing ceremony, Prof. Dr. Abacıoğlu stated that they would be proud and happy to support the foundation's work. Stating that Izmir and Turkey are at risk of earthquakes, and as a university, they also have a responsibility in this regard, Abacıoğlu said, “Our efforts continue to establish a research and application center for disaster management, coordination and risk reduction. We want to transfer our knowledge and experience to this center. This is the scientific aspect of things. There is also the social aspect. Universities should support organizations based on social responsibility and social benefit and make them feel that they support them spiritually. I see this protocol we signed with Sayra&Çınar Foundation on this subject as very meaningful and important.”