'Little Amal' completes its tour in Turkey

IZMIR, Turkey

The journey in Turkey of the 3.5-meter-tall puppet “Little Amal,” which was designed to highlight the difficulties of Syrian refugee children to the world, ended Monday.

"Little Amal," which set out from southeastern Gaziantep province on July 27 in order to raise awareness about the difficulties of refugee children on their journey to Europe with or without their families, met with children and their families who came to see her off at Saglik Beach in Izmir province's Cesme district.

Amal watched the sunset on the last day of her route in Turkey along with families from Izmir, asylum seekers and project managers who did not leave her alone.

The event ended with a farewell concert by Syrian singers.

Prepared under the leadership of the Good Chance Theatre, a UK-based theater and art company that deals with refugee issues, and as part of the "Walk Project" supported by many artists, institutions and organizations from Turkey, Amal tells the story of a nine-year-old Syrian girl who sets out to find her mother.

Designed as part of a project aimed at raising awareness among the world public and drawing attention to the problems of refugee children with the bitter story of Little Amal, the puppet will travel thousands of kilometers in 65 cities, crossing the border of eight countries on its journey, which started in Gaziantep on July 27.

Little Amal's journey will end in Manchester, England on Nov. 3.

*Writing by Merve Berker