In Hatay, Türkiye, 23-year-old Barış Özbay, who had isolated himself at home for nearly three years following the Kahramanmaraş-centered earthquakes, was shaved and bathed for the first time after being helped by social services.

After losing his home and relatives in the 2023 earthquakes, Barış withdrew from life, dropped out of university, and became addicted to online games. Acting on Governor Mustafa Masatlı’s instructions, Family and Social Services teams convinced him to take the first step toward recovery. “I resisted a little, but they took me away. I shaved, bathed—it was nice,” Barış said, though he admitted he still struggles with motivation.

Provincial Director of Family and Social Services Süleyman Yıldırım said their support for Barış will continue, adding that medical teams and municipal workers will provide health checks and clean his home.

Ramazan İlın

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