23.02.2026 20:55
In the Ramadan video prepared for UNICEF, famous singer Hadise, who equated Turkey with deep crisis regions like Gaza, Sudan, and Africa, showing it among "countries in need of help," has taken a step back. Hadise announced that she has ended her collaboration with UNICEF.
Singer Hadise's Ramadan video prepared for UNICEF sparked a major controversy as it categorized Turkey among "needy" countries alongside deep crisis and war zones like Gaza, Sudan, and Africa. The video, which spread rapidly on social media, faced backlash for allegedly tarnishing Turkey's humanitarian profile on the international stage.
HADISE ENDED HER RELATIONSHIP WITH UNICEF
Following the backlash, Hadise took a step back. She announced that she has ended her relationship with UNICEF. In her statement, Hadise expressed, "While I would like to emphasize that I will be much more sensitive and meticulous regarding aid campaigns from now on, I also want to share that I have ended my relationship with UNICEF."
During this blessed month of Ramadan, I will continue to do my best to support children in need, especially in Gaza, completely independently."
On the other hand, responding to the controversies, Hadise shared the details behind the process. The artist stated that the text used in the video was provided to her by UNICEF, and she expressed that the main purpose of the work was to convey the message of "growing goodness together during Ramadan."
'I AM IN LOVE WITH THIS COUNTRY'
Reminding that she has been serving as UNICEF Turkey's Child Rights Advocate since 2022, Hadise stated that she spent one-on-one time with children in the region, especially after the earthquake disaster, and closely witnessed the ongoing efforts. The artist expressed that she has felt a greater sense of responsibility for children since that day, emphasizing that the calls for help stem from this motivation.
With the words "I am a woman in love with this country," Hadise highlighted her love for her homeland, stating that Turkey has a strong state tradition and provides support to those in need all around the world. The artist expressed that, in addition to the efforts of state institutions, civil society organizations also play an important role, drawing attention to the work of organizations such as the Turkish Red Crescent, IHH Humanitarian Relief Foundation, and UNICEF.
'WE MUST STAY AWAY FROM DIVISIVE EMOTIONS'
At the end of her statement, Hadise emphasized the spiritual climate of the month of Ramadan, stating that we should stay away from anger and polarization, expressing that fasting signifies not only a physical but also a mental and spiritual purification. The artist concluded her words with a wish for a future where all children can live in an equal, safe, and loving world.
The full text of Hadise's statement is as follows:
"In 2022, I was selected as UNICEF's Child Rights Advocate for Turkey. Since that day, we have carried out very valuable work with UNICEF in areas needed for our children and youth.
After the earthquake disaster, I went to the region and spent one-on-one time with our children. I closely witnessed the trainings organized, the aid provided; the fear in their eyes but also the hope. Since those days, I have had a single feeling inside me: to be able to do more for our children.
"THE TEXT WAS PROVIDED BY UNICEF"
For this blessed month of Ramadan, I was provided with a text by UNICEF and was asked to shoot a video. The summary of the video was: "Let's grow goodness together during Ramadan."
I am a woman in love with this country. I am a woman who knows the realities of Turkey, does not ignore these realities, but always wants to be part of the solution.
'TURKEY IS A STRONG COUNTRY'
When I argued in 2019 that we should embrace refugee children, my intention was the same. During the earthquake period, while collecting aid for our children both in Turkey and abroad, my intention was the same. Today, while making a call for support for our children in the month of Ramadan, I am in the same place.
Turkey is a strong country. A country that is always by the side of its citizens, with its state and its people. Our country is one that delivers aid all over the world, always standing by those in need at the moment of need.
We have many children and families in our country and around the world who need help. The efforts of our state and what they do are very valuable. Alongside this, the support of aid organizations such as the Red Crescent, UNICEF, and IHH Humanitarian Relief Foundation is equally important. I am the greatest witness that donations made to these organizations make a real difference in the lives of children.
'I PROUDLY DEFENDED MY COUNTRY AT EUROVISION'
Especially since the day I represented my country at Eurovision at the age of 22, I have proudly defended Turkey on every platform I have appeared on. I will continue to defend and represent it in the strongest way possible.
During Ramadan, I hope that we all stay away from angry sentences and divisive emotions. Fasting is not just about the body being hungry; it is also about the purification of minds and hearts from evils.
My prayer is to meet in a future where all children can live equally, safely, and lovingly in a fairer world."