Surge in Injuries During Eid al-Adha in Turkiye: 16,000 Treated in Hospitals

Tuesday 18 June 2024 - 09:40

Health Minister Highlights Risks of Amateur Slaughtering Practices.

On the first day of Eid al-Adha, hospitals across Turkiye treated approximately 16,000 individuals for injuries sustained during the traditional sacrificial animal slaughter, as reported by Health Minister Fahrettin Koca. This annual Muslim celebration, also known as Qurban Bayram in Turkiye, commemorates the willingness of Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son in obedience to God.

Koca, in a statement on the social media platform X, attributed many of these injuries to amateur attempts at slaughtering cattle. "This happens when animals are slaughtered by amateurs," Koca noted, emphasizing the importance of proper experience in handling such tasks.

The distribution of injuries was significant across major cities: Ankara reported 1,300 cases, Istanbul had 840, and Izmir saw 416 individuals requiring medical attention. The situation took a tragic turn in Istanbul, where a person suffered a fatal heart attack at a slaughterhouse, according to TRT Haber. Another individual was also hospitalized following a heart attack after visiting the same location.

Despite regulations mandating that slaughtering must be conducted in specially designated areas, many locals often disregard these rules. This non-compliance has been a major factor contributing to the high rate of injuries during the holiday.

Eid al-Adha, celebrated on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah, the final month of the Islamic lunar calendar, holds profound religious significance. This year, the holiday was observed on June 16 in Turkiye.

The surge in injuries underscores the critical need for adherence to safety regulations and experienced handling during the sacrificial practices of Eid al-Adha, to prevent such incidents in future celebrations.