The Faizan Global Relief Foundation (FGRF) from Pakistan and Turkey’s Diyanet Foundation are building a new settlement in Afrin, Syria. The project, “al-Madina Village,” includes 84 housing units for Arab families displaced by conflict. The settlement is planned for completion by October 2024, despite concerns about environmental and local population impact.
Collaborative Effort for Settlement in Afrin
In a joint effort between Pakistan’s Faizan Global Relief Foundation (FGRF) and Turkey’s Diyanet Foundation, a new settlement named “al-Madina Village” is under construction in the Sharran district of Afrin, northwestern Syria. The project commenced in March 2024 and aims to provide 84 housing units for Arab families from Homs. The settlement is expected to be completed by October, with FGRF and the Diyanet Foundation at the forefront of this humanitarian effort.
FGRF, headquartered in Karachi, Pakistan, focuses on creating sustainable ecological systems and providing humanitarian aid. Their activities include tree planting and environmental development, although concerns have been raised regarding the land chosen for this new settlement.
Environmental Concerns and Displacement
The land used for the construction was once a pine forest, cut down by the Turkish-backed Sultan Murad faction, a militia affiliated with the Syrian National Army (SNA). Despite FGRF’s emphasis on environmental projects, the land’s deforestation has raised eyebrows. This forest clearing was supervised by Araba Idris, the leader of the Sultan Murad faction.
North Press Syria reached out to FGRF for clarification regarding their awareness of the land ownership, the displacement of indigenous Kurdish residents, and the ongoing environmental damage. Despite an initial response, FGRF did not address these specific questions after three days of follow-up.
Afrin Under Turkish Control
Afrin has been under Turkish military control since the 2018 “Olive Branch” operation, during which Turkish forces and their allies pushed out the Kurdish People’s Protection Units (YPG). Turkey justified the operation as a measure to protect its national security. Since then, Afrin has remained under the control of Turkish-backed factions, which continue to influence the region.
