14,372 people injured in Turkiye during Eid animal sacrifice

Thousands of people were injured across Türkiye on the first day of Eid al-Adha while attempting to perform the ritual animal sacrifice, the country’s Minister of Health confirmed.

According to official figures, a staggering 14,372 individuals were taken to hospitals nationwide due to injuries sustained while slaughtering animals during the Sunnah of Prophet Ibrahim (A.S.). 

These injuries ranged from minor cuts to more serious accidents involving knives and the handling of large animals.

Regional breakdowns showed 1,049 injuries in Ankara, 753 in Istanbul, and 655 in Konya.

Health Minister Dr Fahrettin Koca urged citizens to hire professional butchers to avoid such accidents, especially during this religious occasion:

“We appeal to our people to act with greater caution and seek help from trained professionals to prevent such large numbers of injuries every year.”

The trend is not new. Last year, during Eid al-Adha 2024, over 16,000 people were similarly injured across Türkiye due to untrained individuals attempting to carry out the sacrificial rites themselves.

The government has continued public awareness campaigns, particularly ahead of Eid, to emphasise safety, hygiene, and professional services. 

However, traditional enthusiasm and DIY spirit still lead many to undertake the ritual themselves, often with unintended consequences.

Eid al-Adha, also known as the “Festival of Sacrifice,” commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s (AS) willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to God. 

Muslims around the world mark the event by sacrificing livestock and distributing meat among the poor, family, and friends.