Syrian refugees in Bodrum streets placed in schoolyard

Syrian refugees who have been living outdoors in the southern resort town of Bodrum in Mu?la were taken to a local schoolyard on June 22 by police and municipal police following complaints.

A group of local tradesmen delivered their petitions during separate meetings with District Gov. Mehmet Gödekmerdan and Bodrum Mayor Mehmet Kocadon on June 22, demanding action for the increased numbers of Syrian refugees staying outdoors in the touristic town.

Gödekmerdan told shopkeepers that they would take necessary measures against those sleeping or begging on the streets and send them to related locations. He also said they had contacted the municipality and NGOs over the issue.  

After the meetings, Syrian refugees who were spending nights outside along the Neyzen Tevfik and Marina streets, both of which are major thoroughfares in Bodrum, were transferred to the schoolyard of the Cumhuriyet Primary School.

Kocadon told reporters after meeting with shopkeepers that they plan to take a mutual decision with the governor's office, police, gendarmerie and NGOs over the ongoing crisis.

"The situation of these people [Syrian refugees] is saddening us all. But we should keep in mind Bodrum's unique structure. We will help these people as much as we possibly can," Kocadon.

A group of shopkeepers said they would provide food aid during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan to the refugees.

Atilla Sertta?, a shopkeeper in Bodrum, told reporters everyone wished to help the Syrian refugees who had suffered hardship.

"We call on all Bodrum residents to support [Syrian refugees] with tolerance. Doctors and medicine are needed. At the moment, we will host them here [at the schoolyard]. The state has resources to a certain...