The Turkish Diyanet Foundation donated 2,250 bulls to South Sudan’s Muslim community on Friday to mark Eid al-Adha, the Islamic Feast of Sacrifice.
The holiday commemorates the end of the hajj, the annual pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia.
Turkish Ambassador to South Sudan Metin Ergin said the bulls would be slaughtered at 13 slaughterhouses and distributed to Muslims across six states.
“This is a symbolic sharing of our joy at this feast,” Ergin told journalists. “We will share it with all citizens of South Sudan, regardless of creed.”
He emphasized Turkey’s “solid friendship” with South Sudan and the strong ties between the two nations.
Furkan Mustafa Akçakıl, head of the Turkish delegation, said the aid would reach 100,000 underprivileged families.
“We are here to slaughter 2,250 cattle in six regions and distribute more than 100,000 packages,” Akçakıl said. “This is a holy time for the community.”
Venansio Deng Amum Ajak, first deputy secretary-general of the South Sudan Islamic Council, thanked Turkey for the donation.
“These bulls will be distributed across various states,” Ajak said. “We appreciate the Turkish Embassy and organizations for this gift.”