Dear First name / friend of Bridge to TĂĽrkiye,
Have you ever been to Esenyurt? This crowded district in Istanbul rarely makes it onto visitors' travel itineraries and has a side that few outsiders ever get to know. According to recent data from the Turkish Statistical Institute, Esenyurt is Turkey’s most populous district, home to nearly a million people—more than 57 entire provinces across the country.
Esenyurt’s story is one of contrasts. It’s the most densely populated district in Istanbul—the economic powerhouse of Türkiye—yet it also faces the harsh realities of poverty. With low household incomes and low school enrollment rates, children here face significant barriers to accessing quality education. Since Esenyurt also hosts Istanbul's largest child population, the implications of this challenge are wide-reaching, affecting thousands of young lives. Many families simply can’t afford even the most basic educational materials.
But there’s always hope, and that's where you come in. Thanks to your support, one exceptional teacher in Esenyurt was able to go the extra mile and provide school bags and stationery sets to 120 students in her school this September. These gifts go beyond supplies—they're a powerful message of encouragement to children who often have to go without.