Turkish philanthropist, Uncle Ali’s remarkable life remembered

by Turkmen Terzi

15 December 2022

The life of the Turkish philanthropist Ali Katırcıoğlu, who was behind the construction of the striking Nizamiye Complex, was commemorated at a dinner program on Saturday night with the participation of Turkish community members, former Gauteng Premier David Makhura, current Premier Panyaza Lesufi and many other South African guests.

Katircioglu, known fondly as "Uncle Ali" to many, passed away in September this year.

Mahkura acknowledged the presence of the Turkish community in South Africa and the philanthropic activities of organisations like the Nizamiye Foundation, Universal Rights Association, Time to Care, Turquoise Harmony Institute, Horizon Educational Trust and Fountain Educational Trust. “These organizations continue to truly represent the best in humanity” he said in his speech as the Guest of honour at the event. He recalled his engagement with the Turkish community when he was the provincial secretary of the ANC (African National Congress) in Gauteng, before he was elected as Premier of the province. He praised the work of late Uncle Ali and the distinct legacy he left behind and the contribution he made to the lives of the people of Gauteng. “It is felt by the students who are attending the schools and those who are being assisted at the clinic with their healthcare funded by the Turkish community. The mosque on the complex is regarded as the largest ever built in the Southern hemisphere. This evening is about solidarity with the Turkish people,” said Makhura

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi promised to continue to support the charity work of the Nizamiye Foundation. “From the bottom of my heart I want to thank the Turkish community. All the programs, projects, Premier Makhura was supporting, don’t count on my support, you will see me in action, we will work together. He (Mahkura) is my guide. This institution is the center of social development, the center of social support, skills development, it is the center of fighting poverty. Let’s continue this relationship to better the lives of ordinary people, because if you do that I can tell you, the legacy of Uncle Ali lives on and on and on…he was a special person,” said Lesufi in praise of Uncle Ali’s life-long work.

Around 200 people participated in the dinner program that was organized at the Nizamiye Complex. Representatives of the Turkish NGOs in Johannesburg presented a variety of gifts that included a Turkish carpet, and Turkish coffee cups for the former and new premiers. David Makhura was also presented with a framed picture of himself, as he supported the work of Turkish NGOs during his Premiership.

Nizamiye Mosque, located on the busy highway between Johannesburg and Pretoria, is a smaller replica of the historical Selimiye Camii mosque in Turkey’s Edirne city. The Nizamiye Masjid which officially opened in 2012 by the then President Jacob Zuma, houses a school, clinic, gallery that contains photographs of religious relics of which the magnificent originals are kept in the Topikapi Palace in Istanbul, shopping centre and Turkish restaurants. The clinic was added on at the suggestion of former president Nelson Mandela.