About us.
We are Demet Yarlıgaç, 38 years old, and Özgür Yarlıgaç, 41 years old. We are married and have two daughters, Naz and Nil. Together, we run Alfa derneği, a foundation dedicated to helping stray animals in Turkey.
Animal shelters in Turkey are unfortunately known as death camps for the animals that end up there. We actively visit animal shelters in Turkey to fight for a better future for the stray animals. So far, we have visited 96 shelters, and this number continues to grow.
Additionally, the foundation manages a shelter for disabled cats. Here, 35 cats reside, which we have rescued from the hell that passes for a shelter in Turkey.
On our website, we share stories and images of our activities. Some of these images may be shocking, and such content will be censored.
Would you like to adopt a sweet animal and give it a better future? You can also do this remotely! Are you looking for a pet yourself? We help place animals in your family (or another loving family).
In the Netherlands, the foundation is supported by Aysun Sirre, a native of Amsterdam with Turkish parents. Since childhood, Aysun has been unable to tolerate animal suffering. Her quest to do something good for animals led her to Alfa derneği. After meeting Demet and Özgür, a collaboration was born. Aysun now strives to raise awareness in the Netherlands, Germany, and England about animal suffering in Turkey and to recruit donors or encourage the remote adoption of a disabled cat.
Our team.
Özgür Yarlıgaç
I am Özgür, father of two daughters. In my free time, when I have it, I go to feed dogs at feeding stations and, of course, spend as much time as possible with my wife and daughter. The animal suffering in Turkey is beyond description with words. It is worse than the scariest horror film you can imagine. This is why my wife and I decided to establish Alfa Arama Kurtarma Derneği. We are now continuing as Stichting Alfa, because we believe that we can use help and support from everyone.
Demet Yarlıgaç
I am Demet, mother of two beautiful girls and married to Özgür. Our life is never dull. Besides spending time with my family, I dedicate all my free time to street animals. I make plans for which parts of Turkey we will visit to check on shelters. We regularly receive reports from animal lovers about the situation in a shelter, and I need to go there.
Aysun Sirre
I am Aysun, born in Amsterdam and now living in Almere for over 30 years. After 6 months of searching for a foundation that I would like to be part of, I came across Alfa Arama Kurtarma Derneği. Their visits to shelters in Turkey were decisive for me. When we think of a shelter, we imagine one like those we know in the Netherlands. I have seen it. It is truly hell on earth. We need to do something about this, especially with the new law. That’s why we are now called Stichting Alfa.
Buse Demirer
I am Buse Demirer, born on 08.09.2001. I am Demet’s right-hand person during visits to shelters in Turkey. I am currently studying to become a veterinarian. I cannot tolerate animal suffering, especially not how animals are treated in Turkey. I have worked with several foundations, and Alfa derneği not only saves animals but truly shows how animals are treated in Turkey.
Our team and volunteers.
Our Volunteer
Consists of a group of volunteers who are committed 24/7 to animal welfare. They visit shelters and care for the cat house. Each and every one of them are animal lovers.
Visiting Shelters
After receiving reports from animal lovers, we make a plan and set out. Shelters that have something to hide don’t let us in easily. We coordinate with the local authorities and ensure all necessary documents are in order. This allows us access, and what we encounter is truly inhumane—like a horror film. We will not post any photos of this, but we will share our story. After our visit, we file a complaint. We live in Turkey where rules are not enforced, fines are not issued, and changes are often not implemented. We then look for volunteers in the area who can continue visiting the shelter, perform tasks, and keep us updated on whether any changes are ultimately positive. If not, we will return.
In addition to visiting shelters, we have several feeding stations throughout Samsun. Here are some photos of our feeding stations. These dogs all come from situations you can’t imagine. Most of them we have rescued and provided with necessary medical care.
Due to the new law, it means they cannot stay here. We are working tirelessly to find a location where they can live out their lives.
Our disabled cat house.
Our Cat House
Our cat house is home to 25 residents. They are either blind or missing a limb. These cats come from a nightmare. Most of them lived in small cages surrounded by their own waste and flies. And look at them now. Aysun has brought some clothing so that readers can take a look and consider adopting. Some will not be placed for adoption. All of them are also available for remote adoption. You will receive a beautiful certificate and a quarterly update about your cat.