13 Hospitalized After Food Poisoning at Religious Gathering in Turkey

A religious gathering in Hendek, Sakarya, Turkey, turned into a health scare when 13 attendees were hospitalized with symptoms of food poisoning. The incident occurred after guests consumed food served at a mevlid, a traditional Islamic devotional event.

Approximately 35 people attended the mevlid, where they were served homemade chicken pilaf, aşure (a traditional sweet pudding), and packaged ayran (a yogurt-based drink). Following the event, a number of attendees began to feel unwell, reporting symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, weakness, and abdominal pain.

Those affected sought medical attention at Hendek State Hospital. After receiving treatment and undergoing examinations, their conditions were reported as stable, with no immediate life-threatening concerns. The local authorities have launched an investigation into the source of the food poisoning to determine the cause of the outbreak.