About Us

Inspired by the healing power of faith, Islamic Relief serves as an independent international NGO dedicated to alleviating poverty, soothing suffering, and building a fairer world for everyone.

We provide a wide range of services, from delivering emergency aid to disaster victims to developing disadvantaged communities, regardless of religion, race, gender, or political affiliation. With an approach centered on human values, we produce sustainable solutions so millions of people worldwide can lead a life with dignity. Our organization holds consultative status with the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and operates in full compliance with the Core Humanitarian Standard.

The journey of Islamic Relief began in Birmingham, UK, in 1984 through the efforts of Dr. Hany El-Banna and his friends. Unable to remain indifferent to the famine crisis in Africa, this small group started a movement with a donation of twenty pence from a child’s piggy bank. Today, that effort has transformed into one of the largest humanitarian movements in the world.

The great famine in Sudan in 1985 served as our organization’s first major test and turning point. The seeds sown that day have grown into a massive tree of kindness, branching out into disaster response, water wells, orphan care, and educational projects.

Working shoulder to shoulder with local communities, Islamic Relief operates today with permanent offices and projects in more than 40 countries. Across a vast geography from Asia to Africa and the Middle East to Eastern Europe:

• Emergency Zones: We manage vital aid corridors in crisis regions such as Gaza, Syria, Yemen, and Afghanistan.
• Development Projects: We increase social resilience through agriculture, water, and education projects in countries like Pakistan, Bangladesh, Somalia, Kenya, and Mali.
• Western Offices: We carry out fundraising and advocacy activities through our offices in countries like the UK (Headquarters), US, Canada, Germany, and Sweden.

The bond between Islamic Relief and Türkiye dates back much further than its official establishment as a local entity.

• First Contacts and the 1999 Earthquake: Our organization carried out its first large-scale operation in Türkiye after the 1999 Marmara Earthquake. Our teams delivered emergency aid to the region, building the first bridge of hearts with the people of Türkiye during those difficult days.
• Ongoing Solidarity: Islamic Relief remained on the ground with emergency response teams during periods of national mourning, such as the 2011 Van Earthquake and the Soma Mining Disaster.
• Regional Base and Institutionalization: With the onset of the Syria crisis, Türkiye became the most critical logistics center for cross-border aid. Activities carried out at the representative level for many years gained a corporate identity to manage growing operations and effectively reach those in need—both refugees and the local population—within Türkiye.
• Today: Operating from its headquarters in Istanbul, Islamic Relief Türkiye continues to provide hope to disadvantaged groups within Türkiye and the oppressed across borders through projects like orphan sponsorship, Ramadan and Qurbani aid, educational support, and winter relief. Since the first moment of the Feb 6 Kahramanmaraş earthquakes, our teams have stayed in the field, managing long-term projects to rebuild the region.