Tuesday, August 14, 2007

Worshippers pray for rain in Turkey's drought-stricken capital - International Herald Tribune

"With arms outstretched and the palms of their hands turned toward the ground, worshippers prayed for rain Friday at mosques in the Turkish capital, which is suffering from drought and serious water shortages.

Record-low snow and rainfall this past winter, coupled with searing summer temperatures, have shrunk the reservoirs of Ankara, a city of some 4 million people, leaving just enough water to last another three months, according to Hayday Kocaker, who heads the state water authority.

As city authorities come under criticism for their handling of the shortage, Turks have turned to God for relief.

"We stand before you, we beg you to answer our prayers," said Fikret Latifoglu, the imam of the Hacibayram mosque, one of the city's oldest, in leading special prayers for rain before the start of traditional Friday prayers.

His words were broadcast through loudspeakers to the faithful standing in the mosque's courtyard."
Worshippers pray for rain in Turkey's drought-stricken capital - International Herald Tribune