Afghan Doctor Zakira Hekmat, who was chosen as the 2020 world peace ambassador by the Hasna Organization, was awarded the 'Queen of the Poor' by the Asylum and Migration Research Center (IGAM).

Zakira Hekmat, who escaped from the persecution of the Taliban in Afghanistan and settled in Kayseri, founded the Afghan Refugees Solidarity and Aid Association (ARSA) after studying and becoming a doctor in Turkey. Hekmat, who is the good angel of both refugees and Turkish families with his aid works, was elected as the world peace ambassador in America last year.

SHE IS ELECTED QUEEN OF THE POOR

Afghan Doctor Zakira Hekmat was awarded the Queen of the Poor award, given for the first time in Turkey by the Asylum and Migration Research Center (IGAM) in memory of Angela Burdett-Coutts, the founder of the Turkish Mercy Foundation, known as the 'queen of the poor' and the founding mother of women's philanthropy. Stating that this award is a great honor for her, Zakira Hekmat said, "Burdett-Coutts is a woman who has spent her wealth on scholarships, donations and a wide variety of philanthropy. Known as the queen of the poor, Burdett-Coutts is the Turkish Mercy to protect Muslim women and children who were persecuted in the 1877 Turkish-Russian war. He founded the Foundation. I was very touched that I was deemed worthy of this award, which was given for the first time in Turkey on behalf of the Queen of the Poor, who spent her wealth on charity."

TURKEY IS MY HOME

Zakira Hekmat stated that after coming to Turkey from Afghanistan, she studied at Erciyes University Faculty of Medicine and became a doctor; " I was born in Afghanistan, I came to Turkey after high school, I spent the most meaningful time of my life, that is, my university time in Turkey. I received support from Turkey and studied. I am currently a professional. For me, the place of birth is not important, the land where I can breathe and live is my country. For this reason, I am very grateful and grateful to the State of the Republic of Turkey."

SHE HAS BEEN THE ANGEL OF GOODNESS OF THE POOR

Doctor Zakira Hekmat, who was with families whose financial situation was not good during the pandemic process, provided winter supplies to 600 Turkish and refugee families. Doctor Zakira Hekmat stated that they distribute stoves, bedding, blankets, beds and heaters to families; "Because I came as a student, I had a place to stay and I had the opportunity to study at the university. But there were many children who did not have the chance I had. Therefore, I wanted to hold the hand of those who were refugees. I started to work voluntarily so that I could give them hope.

I dedicate myself to be beneficial not only to them but also to the Turkish people to whom I owe my loyalty. For this, we produced and distributed masks and soaps with our volunteers during the pandemic period. In addition, we distributed baby and adult hygiene kits, toys, baby food, and distributed hygiene packages to 6,000 Turkish and refugee families in cooperation with UNHCR, other NGOs and public institutions. We provided milk and formula support to women who gave birth," he said.

SHE RECEIVED HER 3RD AWARD

Dr. Zakira Hekmat was awarded the "Young Leaders Award" by the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) Foundation in 20074 and the "Peace Ambassador of the Year" by the USA-based Hasna Organization in 2020. The young doctor also received the Angela Burdett-Coutts (Queen of the Poor) award, which was given for the first time in Turkey by the Center for Asylum and Migration Research (IGAM) for her international charity work.

Ali ALTUNTAŞ - Sabah