Economic Revival in Post-Earthquake Turkey

The February 2023 earthquake was a catastrophic event in Turkey and Syria. It resulted in over 50,000 deaths and left more than 100,000 injured across both countries with extensive damage to infrastructure and buildings. The disaster displaced millions, many of whom were already vulnerable due to previous conflicts and compounded long-standing pressures of persecution and marginalization of Christian communities.  

Nearly three years later, as most aid groups have moved on after the initial emergency humanitarian response, Shai Fund is still there continuing to support the economic and social revival of the neighborhoods by empowering local businesses with livelihood grants. By restoring livelihoods and enabling families to reopen their businesses, the initiative safeguarded their right to remain rooted in their homeland and practice their faith freely. 

Restoring Livelihoods, Strengthening Faith 

With your help, we re-established 8 small family businesses in Turkey, including a pharmacy, hairstyling salon, barber, canteen, and home-cooking enterprise, directly supporting 54 Christian beneficiaries and reaching over 26,000 people in their communities. 

Your partnership has made this possible by: 

• Strengthening Christian Presence: In a region where migration pressures threaten the survival of indigenous Christian communities, these livelihoods gave families the choice to remain rooted in their ancestral homeland of Antioch—the historic birthplace of the Christian identity.
• Empowering Local Partners: Through a “train the trainers” model, local faith-based organizations gained the skills to manage, monitor, and expand livelihood programs independently, ensuring the long-term sustainability of this initiative.
• Creating a Cycle of Solidarity: Each business has committed to reinvesting 10% of their grant into future projects, multiplying the impact and strengthening resilience across the wider community. 

Proven Financial Sustainability 

Beyond the social and spiritual impact, the businesses themselves are thriving. Within just one year, seven of the eight businesses had already generated $75,921 in net income from an initial investment of $61,602—recovering 123% of the total cost. This means that for every $1 invested, families earned $1.23 back in profit within twelve months, an extraordinary result for a post-disaster livelihoods program. Four businesses have already passed their break-even points, while the others are on track to do so within the coming year. 

Economic renewal is about more than livelihoods. It’s about preserving freedom of religion and belief—ensuring Christian families can remain in their homeland and pass on their heritage.