Eid al-Adha colorfully celebrated nationwide

Eid al-Adha was joyfully celebrated across Turkey, with millions of people paying visits to loved ones.

Eid al-Adha colorfully celebrated nationwide

This year’s Eid al-Adha, an important, four-day religious holiday for Muslims, was joyfully celebrated across Turkey, with millions of people paying visits to loved ones and many others slaughtering animals as a reminder of the prophet Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son Ishmael to God as an act of obedience and submission.

Millions of believers flocked to animal markets during the eid to buy sacrificial animals. Purchases during the eid pleased buyers as animal sellers who did not want to pay to transport the animals back to their village sold them at prices customers demanded. Many sellers said they observed an increase in sales over the previous years. Buyers were also pleased with profitable purchases during the eid, saying they were able to buy sacrificial animals this year, too, despite the global financial crisis.

The eid was also a target of harsh criticism from some, who claimed the slaughter of animals caused environmental pollution as parts of animals were left in the streets after animals were slaughtered. Environment and Forestry Minister Veysel Eroğlu, however, said his ministry did its utmost to prevent widespread environmental pollution stemming from the slaughter of animals.

“Our citizens fulfilled their ritual slaughtering in accordance with laws and regulations. There may be some flaws, but they were very few when compared with previous years. We will continue to take necessary measures to have more environment friendly eids in the upcoming years,” he stated.

The Turkish government enforced a ban on killing animals in public places last year, such as playgrounds and parks, and issued warnings and advisories to have the animals sacrificed by a professional butcher in a designated area. In accordance with the EU Veterinary Platform, clean slaughterhouses consistent with hygienic standards were set up in many neighborhoods throughout the country.

IFAW observes animal slaughters

The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) sent experts to Turkey this eid to inspect the sale and slaughter of the sacrificial animals. Experts were, however, not very satisfied with the conditions under which animals were slaughtered. Professor Tahsin Yeşildere, head of the İstanbul Veterinary Chamber and also a member of the IFAW, said this year’s eid was the scene of unpleasant images just as in previous years. Christine Hafner, another member of the fund, expressed sorrow over what she witnessed during animal slaughters. “As they were cutting a lamb, they dropped it on the ground. The animal tried to stand up but couldn’t as the ground was slippery. The animal suffered from a considerable amount of pain. The butchering may have been sufficient according to Islamic standards, but it was in no way appropriate for required health conditions,” she stated.

Religious Affairs Directorate head Ali Bardakoğlu said there has lately been an amelioration in conditions under which animals are slaughtered, but urged for more sensitivity from locals in ritual slaughters.

“Images reflected in press organs do not fit Turkey’s image. There has been an observable amelioration in standards for animal slaughter, but we need to improve them further,” he stated.

Amateur butchers hurt themselves

Hundreds of citizens who attempted to slaughter animals themselves were rushed to hospitals after they hurt themselves. Many of the amateur butchers were released after short medical attention in hospitals but some are still being kept under observation.

A total of 440 people were admitted to hospitals across Turkey, with many cutting their hands or fingers, according to the Anatolia news agency. The most “animal slaughter accidents” took place in northern and central Anatolian provinces such as Samsun, Sivas, Kayseri and Zonguldak.

Dozens fined in İstanbul for unhygienic slaughters

Tens of people in İstanbul received heavy fines for slaughtering animals under unhygienic conditions. İstanbul Governor Muammer Güler said more than 200 people were not allowed to slaughter animals as they fell short of providing hygienic conditions for the ritual. Many others were fined a total of YTL 13,000 for the same reason.

“Our municipalities provide modern conditions for citizens who wish to fulfill their slaughtering duties. I would like to take this occasion to express that environmental and hygienic conditions improve every passing year for Eid al-Adha,” he added.

In the meantime, Professor Mustafa Tayar from Uludağ University warned consumers to store the meat of sacrificial animals under cold and hygienic conditions so that the meat can be kept for a long time without going bad.

“The meat should be stored in refrigerators as soon as it is cut into pieces to protect it against microorganisms. The meat should be consumed only one or two days after it is kept in the refrigerator,” he noted. İstanbul Today’s Zaman with wires

35 Turkish pilgrims die in sacred land

As of Thursday, 35 Turkish pilgrims had lost their lives in the cities of Mecca and Medina in Saudi Arabia since the beginning of the pilgrimage season on Nov. 6. Five elderly pilgrims died on Thursday, bringing the total number to 35. The names of the deceased were announced as Mehmet Özkaya (81), Dursun Durak (73), Altun Taranoğlu (67), Ahmet Ünlü (64) and Dilek Coci. The exact cause of death has not been officially determined, but it is not unusual for some pilgrims -- many of whom are elderly -- to die during the pilgrimage, or the hajj, which can be a strenuous task for older pilgrims. The total of Turkish pilgrims who died during hajj so far this year rose to 24 in Mecca and to 11 in Medina. Those who die in the city of Mecca are laid to rest in the Sherai district after their funeral service. İstanbul Today’s Zaman

"Todayszaman",12 December 2008, Friday