Our current project

You too can be a patron saint for those in need

In February 2024 we will be going back to Turkey as part of our next project to support hundreds of  families in need in the villages of Erzincan, Erzurum and Mus. In honor of the Hızır Lent, which is celebrated during the second week of February, we would like to help older people in need by distributing provisions packages containing basic food items. Hızır Lent, known as "Hızır Week", is celebrated by Alevis as a time of worship to the immortal Saint Hızır, the patron saint who rushes to the aid of anyone who calls his name.

In order to help these needy people through the cold winter and give them a good start to spring, we plan to distribute provisions packages with around 50-55 kg of food. These packages contain staple foods such as potatoes, onions, flour, sugar, salt, olives, rice, pasta, oil, butter, spreads, lentils and milk.

Hızır Lent is celebrated in the second week of February, with believers fasting from sunrise to sunset. The fast is then broken within the family or community. Unlike the Muharrem fasting period, it is permitted to consume meat and animal products during these days.

The highlight of the celebration is the preparation of "Niyaz", a special bread, and "Kavut", a wheat dish. On the eve of the last day of fasting, each family places kavut in front of the door, harboring the belief that Hızır could taste it overnight or leave a blessing on it to fulfill their wishes.

Lent ends with the solemn “Cem” ceremony. The prepared food is shared with others in memorial sites or Cem houses and enjoyed together.

It is important to us to continue HIZIR's mission as a patron saint. We want to inspire other people to be a light for others too.