The Polat Vakfı, established by Adnan Polat and his family, continues its support efforts in Hatay Samandağ, one of the regions most severely affected by the major earthquake centered in Kahramanmaraş in February 2023.
In collaboration with Samandağ Municipality, the Suna Polat Youth Center, built and equipped, was inaugurated on Saturday, November 11th, in Hatay, with the participation of Adnan Polat, executives from Galatasaray Sports Club, and officials from Samandağ.
Hatay, November 11, 2023 - Following the devastating earthquake that struck Kahramanmaraş and its surrounding regions in February, Polat Vakfı acted swiftly and was one of the first institutions to provide urgent assistance to the affected areas.
The foundation, in collaboration with TÜREB (Turkey Wind Energy Association), dispatched hundreds of technicians to the region immediately after the earthquake to provide infrastructure repair support. In the initial days following the earthquake, the foundation delivered hundreds of generators and tents to the region. Through collaboration with Galatasaray Sports Club, the foundation also sent food and material aid to the area. In Iskenderun, Polat Vakfı delivered 86 fully equipped containers to Gemlik Container City and opened Polatköy Campus in Hatay Samandağ with 123 living containers. Furthermore, in partnership with Koruncuk Vakfı, the foundation focused on projects emphasizing the access of girls to education in the earthquake-affected area.
Beyond the acute phase of the earthquake, Polat Vakfı continued to take responsibility for the recovery process. In August 2023, it initiated a new social support-oriented project and, in collaboration with Samandağ Municipality, opened the Suna Polat Youth Center in Hatay's Samandağ district.
The opening ceremony of the Suna Polat Youth Center took place on Saturday, November 11th, at Atatürk Coastal Park, with the participation of Adnan Polat, Chairman of the Polat Vakfı Board, Dursun Özbek, President of Galatasaray, Erden Timur, Galatasaray businessman, Deputy Governor Gökay İçen, and Samandağ Mayor Refik Eryılmaz, along with thousands of Samandağ residents and supporters.
During the opening ceremony, Adnan Polat, Chairman of the Polat Vakfı Board, expressed the significant meaning of the Suna Polat Youth Center for him. He continued, "For this reason, a few months ago, I named this valuable center after my dear mother, Suna Polat, who we lost. I hope Suna Polat's timeless memory will live on in the young people who will grow up here."
He added, "Today is November 11, 2023, and it coincides with the 10th anniversary of the founding of Polat Holding. The opening of the Suna Polat Youth Center aligns with this very special date. I am confident that this youth center will contribute to the development of valuable individuals for our country and society and will support the physical and mental development of Samandağ's young people for many years."
Social areas, cafeteria, sports facilities:
The Suna Polat Youth Center, with a capacity of 350 people, serves as a communal living center that allows residents in the region to enhance their social relationships and engage in leisure activities. In addition to being a social facility with a socialization area, cafeteria, and a spacious location by the sea, the Suna Polat Youth Center also supports sports activities with its professional basketball and volleyball court.
For more information: Karin Şamo / Idea Public Relations: [email protected]
About the Polat Vakfı:
Established in January 2023 by Adnan Polat and his family, the goal of the POLAT Vakfı is to support our society through facilities and social assistance in the fields of education, sports, environment, and culture in Turkey. The foundation aims to contribute to the cultural and educational development of Turkish people, fostering individuals with high cultural and educational levels, committed to the principles of the Republic, and beneficial to the country.
Engaged in relief efforts in the provinces affected by the earthquake centered in Kahramanmaraş in February 2023, the Polat Vakfı continues its humanitarian aid activities for the earthquake-stricken settlements in Iskenderun and Samandağ.
