Most weddings are full of gifts, gold, and celebrations. But one Turkish couple chose a very different path. Fethullah Üzümcüoğlu and Esra Polat, who got married in the border city of Kilis in 2015 (the story resurfaced and went viral in 2019), decided to spend the money they had received for their wedding feeding Syrian refugees instead.
The couple donated their savings to celebrate with one big banquet, inviting the refugees nearby. The idea came from the groom’s father, Ali, who felt that a lavish celebration made no sense when so many people were suffering nearby.
He told a local newspaper that he hoped others would do the same and share their wedding celebrations with their Syrian brothers and sisters.
Turkey had welcomed nearly two million Syrian refugees, and in Kilis, there were 4,000 refugees that Turkish charity Kimse Yok Mu was responsible for providing food to.
The newlyweds worked hand-in-hand with the charity to make the feast possible. Still dressed in their wedding attire, the couple took their place behind the counter and spent the day feeding 4,000 people.
The couple said they wanted their journey to happiness to begin by making others happy. Their story became a beautiful example of compassion and humanity, showing that love is most meaningful when it is shared with those who need it most.
