The Irish Potato Starvation Epidemic
Many people are amazed to see there is a symbol of the moon and stars in the logo of the Irish club, Drogheda United. Apparently the history occurred since 1847 ago. At that time, the predominantly Catholic Irish lands were owned by a handful of people living in England. The land was leased to 600 thousand Irish citizens at a very expensive rent.
Almost all the results were brought to England. For example, in 1845, one million tons of agricultural produce and 258 thousand head of cattle were brought to England. The 4 million inhabitants of Ireland planted potatoes into their staple food. In 1845 there was an overwhelming famine in Ireland and several other regions of Europe. The incident was written in Irish history with the title 'Famine of Potato'.
Because it occurs after a third of their crops are damaged by the fungal outbreak. Then in 1846, 90% of their crops were damaged again. People are starving because potatoes are their staple food, and the peak occurs in 1847.
When the news reached Turkey, Caliph Abdul Majid decided to send aid of 10 thousand Pounsterling. The world is fascinated by the mercy of the Caliph because no one asked him to do so. At the same time, the British ruling over Ireland did not do so. Queen Victoria only sends 2 thousand Pounsterling so as not to lose face. Oddly Queen Victoria also asked the Khalifah to reduce her help. The Caliph is only allowed to help a thousand Pounsterling alone.
The Caliph Abdul Majid accepted Queen Victoria's request, sent a thousand Pounsterling, but then he sent three ships full of food, medicine and seed for the Irish people. Because Ireland is a British colony, the royal party forbade Turkish ships docked at the Port of Dublin. Finally, 3 ships that move to Drogheda Port.
The world again amazed by the attitude of this Turkish Sultanate. Helping a nation that is 5 thousand km away, and different beliefs. While the UK itself is not much help, even blocking the arrival of Turkish assistance.
The Irish nobles were deeply impressed with the Caliph's generosity. They sent a thank-you note that is currently stored neatly in the Museum Topkapı Palace. The Irish people also do not want to forget the kindness of this Muslim leader. They emblazoned a typical Turkish moon symbol emblem on the Drogheda football club logo that was founded in 1919.
In 1923, during the Laussane talks to discuss Turkey's independence post World War I before the Ottoman Ottoman Empire was officially broken down, the Irish delegation behaved very differently from other European countries. They support Turkish independence. When the delegation was astonished, they said, "All the Irish people will behave like me. Because when no European country helps us in the event of hunger, your grandfather instantly helps us by sending large sums of money and ships full of food aid. Because of that help, our lives are saved. Then we will never forget the person who helped us in the disaster. "
In 2006, Drogheda celebrated its 800th anniversary. The mayor's side again captured the memories of 'Turkish help' by laying down huge inscriptions of gratitude in the old mayor's building. For it is in this place that Turkish sailors who brought aid were welcomed 150 years ago.