Turkey's Imam Hatip Associations Lead Forest Clean‑ups in Mardin and Osmaniye

Volunteer groups of the Imam Hatip Associations organized large‑scale forest clean‑up events in two Turkish provinces. In Artuklu, Mardin, the Önder İmam Hatipliler Derneği mobilized members and summer‑school students as part of the nationwide "81 Province Forest Clean‑up Campaign," collecting tons of plastic, paper, glass and other waste. Organizer Enes Güneş declared, "Nature is a trust left to us; we must protect it for future generations," and provided hands‑on training on sustainability.

In Osmaniye, the Önder Osmaniye İmam Hatipliler Derneği, together with the Osmaniye Kardeşlik Derneği and the local forest directorate, held a "We Clean Our Forests" awareness program that included a family picnic and waste collection at Çiftmazı Recreation Area. Leaders Ömer Bahçeci and Prof. Dr. Halef Dizlek stressed that forests are the country's "lungs" and warned against litter that can spark fires. Both events emphasized continued community responsibility for forest protection.