06.07.2026 21:20
Famous Azerbaijani travel blogger Davud Akhundzada, who has reached millions of followers with his people- and street-focused videos worldwide, performed a heartwarming act of charity in Istanbul. Showing great respect for an 81-year-old shoe shiner trying to make a living on the street, the influencer did not have his shoes cleaned while wearing them and provided the elderly man with a cash donation of exactly 10,000 Turkish Lira for his 200 TL debt. Their emotional farewell broke viewership records on social media.
Davud Akhundzada, a famous Azerbaijani travel content creator who travels the world, provided unforgettable support to an 81-year-old elderly man who makes a living by shining shoes on the street during his visit to Istanbul. Out of respect, the influencer did not have his shoes cleaned while wearing them, and left 10,000 TL in cash to the elderly man against a debt of 200 TL.
HAS MILLIONS OF FOLLOWERS
The video taken in Istanbul by Azerbaijani Turkish influencer Davud Akhundzada, known for his videos focusing on street life and human stories on social media and having millions of followers on TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram, moved viewers. The famous influencer, who has traveled to more than 61 countries from Sri Lanka to India, from African cities to Europe, won hearts this time with an example of solidarity on the streets of Istanbul.
TOOK OFF HIS SHOES
Noticing an 81-year-old man shining shoes and selling second-hand shoes on the sidewalk while walking in Üsküdar, Akhundzada said he wanted to have his white sneakers cleaned. When the elderly man extended slippers to him and said, "Sit there, give them to me," the influencer took off his shoes and explained the reason for this action in English with the following words:
"This is an old-style place where you have your shoes cleaned while stepping on them. But I hate doing that to an older person, meaning having my shoes cleaned while I am wearing them. That's why I always take off my shoes and personally hand them over, especially to such elderly gentlemen."
"SPEND IT ON YOUR WIFE" AND GAVE 10,000 TL
After his shoes were cleaned, the elderly man said the debt was only 200 TL (about 4 dollars). Learning that the man was living in a rented house with his wife under difficult conditions, Davud Akhundzada took out 10,000 TL in cash (about 206 dollars) from his pocket and handed it to the elderly man.
While the old man's surprise and happiness were reflected on his face, the Azerbaijani influencer handed over the money, saying, "I want to give you a little more money. Spend it on your wife, spend it on rent, hopefully. Please take good care of her."
BIDDING FAREWELL BY KISSING HIS EYES
Deeply moved by the help he received, the 81-year-old man tried to stand up, but the influencer stopped him, saying, "Please don't get up, uncle." The moments when the old man thanked Davud Akhundzada, who approached him with great affection, by kissing his cheeks and eyes were captured on camera.
The video, which went viral on social media in a short time, received thousands of likes and comments both in Turkey and Azerbaijan, earning great appreciation.