1/30/2025
Her Excellency Ms. Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al-Misnad, Minister of State for International Cooperation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, inaugurated the City of Hope in northern Syria. The ceremony was attended by a distinguished delegation from Qatar Charity, led by CEO Mr. Youssef bin Ahmed Al-Kuwari.
Also present at the event were Mr. Munir Karal oglu, Deputy Minister of the Turkish Ministry of the Interior, Mr. Durmuş Aydın, Secretary-General of the Turkish Humanitarian Relief Foundation (IHH), and Ms. Fatma Şahin, Mayor of Gaziantep.
A Pioneering Project
The City of Hope, established in northern Syria, is a major collaboration between Qatar Charity and the Turkish Humanitarian Relief Foundation (IHH). This ambitious project aims to provide safe and dignified housing for displaced families and is part of Qatar Charity’s continuous efforts to address the housing needs of crisis-affected communities. The city comprises 1,400 fully equipped homes, providing shelter for over 8,800 people, and includes essential services such as schools, markets, a health center, and a mosque. It represents a significant improvement for families who have endured years in refugee tents, offering them secure homes that safeguard their dignity and well-being.
Smooth Transition for Displaced Families
The process of relocating displaced families from refugee camps in northern Syria to the City of Hope has begun, with the aim of offering them a safe and stable environment after enduring years of difficult living conditions. The transition will take place over several days to ensure an organized and smooth move for families into their new homes, providing them with a refuge that alleviates their suffering and restores stability and dignity to their lives.
Support from the Qatari People
This transformative project is made possible through the generous support of the Qatari people, whose contributions have provided these displaced families with much-needed shelter, easing their hardships and helping them find stability beyond the camps.
On the occasion, Her Excellency Ms. Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al-Misnad, Minister of State for International Cooperation, remarked: "It is a great honor for us to be here today with our Syrian brothers and sisters to witness the inauguration of the City of Hope. This project reflects the spirit of solidarity and generosity that has long defined the fraternal ties between Qatar and Syria. The State of Qatar, under the leadership of His Highness the Amir, has always been at the forefront of supporting our Syrian brothers and sisters."
She emphasized that the City of Hope is not just a housing project, but a symbol of hope and a means to rebuild dignified lives for communities that have suffered immensely.
Her Excellency also expressed gratitude to Qatar Charity and the Turkish Humanitarian Relief Foundation for their instrumental roles in bringing this vital project to life.
Mr. Youssef bin Ahmed Al-Kuwari, CEO of Qatar Charity, stated: "It is a great privilege for me to stand here today and witness the inauguration of the City of Hope in northern Syria, in the town of Soran, Aleppo Governorate. This project is a precious gift from the people of Qatar to their displaced Syrian brothers and sisters, who have endured the hardships of war and displacement."
He continued: "Today, we see the impact of this project in the smiles of the children, the stability it brings to the families, and the opportunities it provides for a new life filled with hope and promise."
Mr. Al-Kuwari expressed his gratitude to all those who contributed to the success of this grand initiative, starting with the generous donors in Qatar, the Turkish Humanitarian Relief Foundation (IHH), the relevant Turkish and Syrian government authorities, and the dedicated teams who worked tirelessly to turn this project from a dream into reality.
Mr. Munir Karaloglu, Deputy Minister of the Turkish Ministry of the Interior, said: "More than 821,500 Syrians who spent part of their lives in Turkey have now returned home. We hope that our brotherly relationship with our Syrian neighbors continues to grow stronger."
He added: "We would like to express our heartfelt thanks to Qatar Charity, the Turkish Humanitarian Relief Foundation, and everyone who contributed to the success of this groundbreaking project."
Mr. Durmuş Aydın, Secretary-General of the Turkish Humanitarian Relief Foundation (IHH), said: "We are filled with joy to see this comprehensive project come to fruition. Our longstanding partnership with Qatar Charity is a shining example of solidarity and cooperation. Through the initiatives we’ve undertaken together, we have been a source of hope to many, improving their lives and providing sustainable solutions for the Syrian people. The City of Hope is not just a housing project—it is a revival of dignity and a step toward rebuilding lives."
Joy of the Beneficiaries
The beneficiaries of the project expressed immense joy and relief as they moved into their new homes after enduring years of hardship in tents. Umm Hassan, a beneficiary, shared: "Praise be to God, after ten years of patience, we have been blessed. We lived in difficult conditions, and just yesterday, the rain flooded our kitchen and damaged some of our belongings. But today, we have moved into the City of Hope and settled into our new homes, which has filled our hearts with happiness. We are deeply grateful to the people of Qatar and Qatar Charity for their continuous support."
Mr. Abu Ghassan, another beneficiary, said: "We suffered immensely over the past ten years—enduring cold, rain, and constant difficulties. Our greatest wish was to have a house that would protect our family. Thank God, today that dream has come true. We thank Qatar Charity for their unwavering support. May Allah bless you for the shelter and hope you’ve provided to us."