Alkoç Group Takes Animals in Need into Protection

The Chairman of the Board of Alkoç Group, Chief Engineer Gürhan Burak Alkoç, moved his office to Dragos to support animals in need and created a different living space for them.

Under the leadership of Chief Engineer Gürhan Burak Alkoç, Alkoç Group consists of many companies, all of which undertake significant projects in Turkey and around the world. The decision to move the office to a new location in Dragos has several underlying reasons. This area, which could be described as a large natural woodland, is not just home to the group’s employees; it has also become a sanctuary for adopted or rescued animals.

Gürhan Burak Alkoç explained why they chose such an office: "We could have had a smaller office, but we specifically chose this office for our four-legged friends. Here, we have 13 dogs, 1 goat, 20 chickens and roosters, as well as rabbits and 2 cats. Our cats live in the office, not in the garden."

Alkoç emphasized that all the dogs are adopted and none were bought with money. He pointed out that each of them has a past, a story. Some had surgeries, some couldn’t walk when they arrived, and they received treatment and care. He continued: "Some of them had been severely beaten, which caused them to have certain quirks. Now, they are all rehabilitated, and they have become very close to the employees, who love them dearly. For our employees, it provides extra motivation, creating a more comfortable work environment. This is why remote work feels a bit distant to us. We work in an environment where there are no distances, and we have direct interactions. When our employees go to the garden, they release all their stress. Everyone has had or wanted to have a pet they grew up with as a child. We wanted to offer a home, especially for these abandoned animals, those left on the streets. Moreover, all these animals are purebred and special dogs, some of which were abandoned after being bought out of curiosity. We have Golden Retrievers, Siberian Huskies, Saint Bernards, shepherd dogs, and Kangal dogs."

"We love living creatures, and this is our philosophy"

Gürhan Burak Alkoç mentioned that taking care of these animals comes with certain responsibilities: "We need to ensure their care, follow up on their vet visits and vaccinations, and many other aspects. Most importantly, they need love… Right now, our helpers here take very good care of our furry friends, treating them as their own children. Every living being deserves love… We need to love each other first… I don’t believe people who don’t love animals can love people."

Alkoç stressed that he has often spoken about this topic in various places, including non-governmental organizations: "We love living creatures; this is our driving philosophy. Our employees and visitors are happy in this environment. Sometimes they bring their children as well. While working, we reduce stress by interacting with and loving the animals. Our dogs here weigh 70-80 kilograms; they are like our children. We all have an inner child, and perhaps we see a part of ourselves in them. Spending time with them helps us forget our stress."

Gürhan Burak Alkoç ended his speech with a message: "People in the maritime sector or other sectors who have the opportunity and space should consider offering a home to these creatures in shelters or on the streets. Please, let everyone think about this: We are not the only beings living in this world. Helping all creatures in need should be our primary humanitarian duty."