Syrian doctor heals wounds of expats

Muhtar Fatih Muhammed, a Syrian doctor working at a Turkish hospital in the city of İzmir, is among the many Syrians who found a relatively comfortable life in Turkey instead of struggling financially. And like many others, he volunteers to help his expatriates who face numerous troubles, from accommodation to illnesses.

İzmir is home to a large population of Syrians because the city is situated on the coast of the Aegean Sea, a popular transit route for refugees hoping to reach Europe. Refugees embark on an arduous journey to İzmir and, with little money left, they are forced to spend days on the streets, exposed to cold weather that causes many to fall ill. Muhammed, who took up residence in İzmir three years ago after leaving his post as a doctor in Syria's Aleppo due to the conflict, reaches out to sick Syrians.

He joined forces with fellow doctors from Syria who took shelter in Turkey and runs an association that helps refugees with health matters, finding accommodation and education services. Muhammed says he and other doctors visit Syrians in İzmir every day and keep their phones open around the clock for emergency calls from his expatriates. "We provide them medication if they need and provide them free treatment at private hospitals," he said. He also works in campaigns to deliver blankets, clothing, food and other aid materials to Syrians living on the streets. When his house is available, he also provides accommodation to refugees. "I once hosted 27 people and they stayed for 10 days. My friends also host refugees and we sometimes finance their stay at hotels," he said.