About Us

History

The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement was born of a desire to bring assistance without discrimination to the wounded on the battlefield.
Turkish Red Crescent Association which was founded on 11 June 1868 with the name "Society for Aiding the Wounded and Ailing Ottoman Soldiers”, later took on the names
"Ottoman Red Crescent Society” in 1877,
“Türkiye’s Red Crescent Community” in 1923
“Turkish Red Crescent Community” in 1935 and
“Turkish Red Crescent Society” in 1947. It was the great leader Ataturk who lent the name “KIZILAY” (Red Crescent) to the institution.
Presidents:
Dr. Marko Pasha -1869-                 
Hüseyin Hilmi Pasha 4.5.1328 - 28.3.1336              
Tevfik Pasha 28.3.1336 - 19.2.1340
Abdurrahman Şeref Bey 19.2.1340 - 18.2.1341
Dr. Refik Saydam 22.8.1341 - 25.4.1939
The Red Crescent emblem is the red crescent on white background facing left. The open side of the crescent faces the opposite direction from the flag pole.
The Red Crescent emblem, as stipulated in the relevant provisions of the Law of Nations, is the accepted “protective and defining symbol” for the medical services of the armed forces at the time of war, as well as for individuals and institutions as defined in these provisions. No other individuals, committees or institutions can use this sign, which symbolizes immunity and neutrality at war.
From the Ottoman-Russian war in 1876 to the Cyprus Peace Operation in 1974, Turkish Red Crescent Society provided medical response to ten thousands of Turkish and enemy soliders in all battlefields in which Turkiye was present, through mobile and fixed hospitals, patient transportation services, hospital vessels, trained nurses and volunteering care givers; provided humanitarian care to war slaves regardless of their nationality; brought care and protection to all civilians affected by war; provided healthcare, shelter and nutrition of the disaster victims in all natural disasters in the country dating back to the great cholera epidemic in Istanbul following the declaration of the 1st Reformation Period; participated in international relief and response activities; led initiatives in nurse training, first aid and blood services and provided social aid and services to all Turkish citizens in need of such aid.
The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, born of a desire to bring assistance without discrimination to the wounded on the battlefield, endeavors, in its international and national capacity, to prevent and alleviate human suffering wherever it may be found. Its purpose is to protect life and health and to ensure respect for the human being. It promotes mutual understanding, friendship, cooperation and lasting peace amongst all peoples. Red Crescent is the symbol of solidarity at the time of need, of equality at the time of suffering, of humanitarianism, neutrality and peace at the heat of the war.
Turkish Red Crescent Society shares the fundamental principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement which are humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, volunteer service, unity and universality.
The Society is a not-for-profit, volunteer-based social service institution providing unconditional aid and service, and is a corporate body governed by special legal provisions.
The organization is comprised of the general headquarters and branches. The duties and responsibilites undertaken in all levels of the Organization, other than the Headquarters, are honorary. 
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