Creative donation campaigns and cultural resilience following the earthquakes in Türkiye
Sometimes people become more creative in response to a crisis or difficult situation. When faced with challenges or limitations, they may be forced to think outside the box and develop innovative solutions to their problems. This can lead to increased creativity and a more remarkable ability to find new and unique problem-solving methods. For example, following the devastating earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria, some organisations and celebrities devised new ways to create resources for those affected.
From auctions of football uniforms to water tanks: creative solutions to help earthquake victims in Türkiye.
One of the most compelling examples of these creative campaigns is the one from footballer Merih Demiral, who created a creative movement and raised more than 9 million Turkish liras ($470,000) to help earthquake victims by auctioning signed shirts and gloves from football superstars.
The auction included the signed jersey and gloves of superstars such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Gianluigi Buffon, Karim Benzema, Erling Haaland, Antoine Griezmann, Kylian Mbappe and Neymar. In addition, he donated all the money to the Turkish non-governmental organisation, Ahbap, which received more trust and donations from government institutions. This shows how much people trust the Turkish government nowadays.
Karsu Dönmez, a Dutch-Turkish musician and singer who also lost loved ones in the earthquake, participated in a charity concert in The Netherlands. As a result, five charities joined forces to make a live donation event in the country. This campaign generated almost 89 million euros with the emotional and creative touch of Karsu Dönmez, who sang very emotional Turkish songs during the concert. She also published a new cookbook, sharing recipes and foods from her heritage from the region, and all income from the book sales will be donated to earthquake relief funds.
Then there were also global icons like Madonna, Metallica and others. Merta Alas, a globally famous photographer of Turkish origin, seems to influence pop culture icons. His inviting his followers to donate to Ahbap on social media gained traction from his friends in the music industry. Metallica not only donated for the earthquake victims but also sent people and help through their own NGO called All Within My Hands Foundation to the region.
Turkish celebrities with fans worldwide also used their social media channels effectively and creatively to reach their fans and ask for donations. For example, Kerem Bursin’s call for help got 653 thousand views on Twitter, and the actor’s international fans also helped to spread Türkiye’s need for solidarity following the earthquakes.
The help of a Turkish engineer living in the UK also made the headlines following the news of the devastating earthquakes. Mechanical engineer Beren Kayalı and her co-founder of their startup Deploy invented the world’s first-ever foldable and inflatable water tank. They want officials to help her deploy the system in quake-hit regions of southern Türkiye to help solve problems of water sanitation and supply for the millions affected.
The importance of cultural resilience aftermath of natural disasters
Cultural resilience is critical during disasters like earthquakes because it can help communities cope with the immediate impacts of the disaster and support long-term recovery efforts. When a disaster strikes, cultural practices can provide a sense of continuity and connection for individuals and communities, helping maintain identity and social cohesion. These practices can also offer comfort and support for those who have experienced trauma or loss.
Turkish people have had much pain and suffering since this country existed for political, natural, economic and other causes. However, these hardships are also the reason for the nation’s cultural and physical resilience. When a disaster happens, people come together and forget about all conflicts and disagreements and join in solidarity. However, once the situation returns to normal, the disputes reemerge. This is very similar for other countries in the region, not only Turkiye, since all had and have their versions of difficulties and catastrophes.
And that resilience creates new approaches, perspectives and creative problem-solving methods from which the world can benefit.
The potential of global solidarity
And it is essential to state that this natural disaster showed how the world could unite and help others in need. So, the earthquake victims are not entirely saved yet. Now starts the difficult part: rebuilding and securing the ones who survived sickness, discrimination, education and a good life.
Now that the world has shown what they can do for others in need. It is also time to consider what we can do for others in similar situations, not because of an earthquake but politics, economics, geography or whatever the cause. The world has so much potential to change things. So let’s build a culture of resilience together.
