Over 200 injured in Turkey during holiday animal sacrifices

The Eid al-Adha holiday in Şanlıurfa, Turkey, saw a significant number of injuries as citizens engaged in the ritual sacrifice of animals. Local hospitals treated 232 individuals, many of whom were dubbed 'rookie butchers' due to injuries sustained while attempting the sacrifice themselves.

The incidents occurred both in designated community slaughter areas and in front of homes. Injuries varied, with some people cutting their hands, arms, or legs with knives during the process. Others were injured by the animals themselves. The influx of patients led to crowded emergency rooms across the city.

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I cut my hand while trying to slaughter the animal. Thank God, it could have been worse. I want to tell the rookie butchers here: butchery is not everyone's job. Don't do what you don't know. Pay a butcher for the job, don't do risky work.

One such individual, Cuma Yıldız, severely injured his hand while trying to sacrifice his own animal. He was rushed to the hospital, where doctors determined he had sustained serious damage to his thumb. "I cut my hand while trying to slaughter the animal. Thank God, it could have been worse," Yıldız said, issuing a warning to others. "I want to tell the rookie butchers here: butchery is not everyone's job. Don't do what you don't know. Pay a butcher for the job, don't do risky work."

Yıldız, facing potential permanent damage to his thumb, expressed regret over the incident. "No matter how much money is given, this thumb will not be the same as before," he stated, urging others to reconsider attempting the task if they lack experience. Health officials echoed these sentiments, calling for caution during animal sacrifices.

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No matter how much money is given, this thumb will not be the same as before. I ask the rookie butchers, not everyone should do this job.