Istanbul
An unusual crowd is emerging around the Dedeman Mosque in Istanbul. In these pandemic times when places of worship are at a standstill, dozens of men and women, all masked, trample two meters apart from each other in front of the grand staircase which leads to the religious building. "Before entering, make sure that your name is on the list," announces at the top of the stairs a young man in a sky-blue jacket, a protective band fixed over his nose, pointing to the chin with a large sign.
Read also: Istanbul, sprawling urban ghost
He is Abdulsamet Çakir, a 33-year-old imam who usually directs prayer there. A month ago, he had the unusual idea of transforming this mosque in the Sariyer district into a free convenience store to help the poorest households affected by the economic paralysis caused by the coronavirus. "My way of being useful to the community," he says, inviting a mother and daughter to pass the porch.
Each person can choose ten products. She must first register on a list, then wait for a message on her mobile phone to come and help herself.On the vestibule shelves, where the faithful usually deposit
This article is for subscribers only. You still have 79% to discover.
Subscribe: € 1 the first month
cancellable at any time
Enter your emailAlready subscribed? Log in