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Description
My name is Çiğdem , and for over 20 years I have dedicated my life to helping animals in need – first privately, and since 2021 through my officially registered sanctuary, Melek Kanatlarım.
Today, I manage everything entirely on my own – without staff, without regular help. Every rescue, every feeding, every cleaning is done by my own hands and heart. It’s a life of hard work, but also deep meaning – and I would be so grateful to welcome compassionate people who want to be part of this mission.
Are you passionate about animals and looking for a place where your time and energy truly matter?
At Melek Kanatlarım, I care for abandoned, injured, and neglected animals – mainly dogs and cats – and offer them a safe, loving, and cage-free space to heal and simply be.
The sanctuary is small and heart-led, located in a quiet rural area of Türkiye, surrounded by forests and wildlife. Daily tasks include feeding, cleaning, spending time with the animals, and helping maintain the farm. Every helping hand makes a difference – and I’m looking for kind, reliable volunteers who share my love for animals and aren’t afraid to get their hands dirty.
You don’t need to be an expert – all I ask is that you come with compassion, patience, and a sense of responsibility.
In return, I offer a warm, welcoming home, simple but nourishing meals, and the opportunity to reconnect with nature, with animals – and maybe even with yourself.
I believe in kindness, respect, and living in harmony with all beings.
If that speaks to your heart – I would truly love to hear from you.
📍 Location & Life Close to Nature
We are located in Kırklareli/Vize/Kıyıköy, in a peaceful, forest-surrounded area of northwestern Türkiye.
🛣️ 2 hours from Istanbul Airport
🚗 20 minutes by car from the main road
🌲 Near a small stream where the animals love to swim
🌿 Quiet, remote, and deeply connected to nature
This is not a place for tourists – it's a home built on care and respect for life.
🐾 Who Lives Here
Today, I care for:
🐶 Around 50 dogs – many of them paralyzed, elderly, or rescued from abuse
🐑 1 sheep,
🐐 4 goats,
🫏 and 1 gentle donkey
Many of the dogs were abandoned when they got old, sick, or disabled. All animals here are free – we do not use cages.
This means more work, but it gives them the life they deserve: safe, peaceful, and full of dignity.
We often end the day walking with the dogs, goats, and sheep through the forest.
💚 Who We’re Looking For
This place is ideal for people who are:
✔️ Deeply compassionate toward animals
✔️ Emotionally strong and calm
✔️ Practical and not afraid of physical tasks
✔️ Comfortable with simple, rustic living
✔️ Minimum age: 18
✔️ Basic English or Turkish communication
You don’t need experience – just a kind heart and willing hands.
🌟 Why This Place Is Special
This sanctuary is more than a shelter – it's a space of freedom, love, and healing, not just for animals, but also for the humans who walk through its gates.
You'll feel the peace of nature in every sound of birdsong, every shade of green, and every animal who learns to trust again.
💚 If you’re seeking purpose…
💚 If you want to live in harmony with animals and the earth…
💚 If you believe that love and care can change lives…
Then this is the place for you. I can’t wait to welcome you.
– Çiğdem
For somw more informations:
Types of help and learning opportunities
Charity Work
DIY and building projects
Animal Care
Help around the house
General Maintenance
Interests
Animals
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
As a volunteer at Melek Kanatlarım, you won’t just care for animals – you’ll also experience a way of life that’s deeply connected to nature, empathy, and simplicity.
You’ll learn what it truly means to care for vulnerable beings, to live with less but give more, and to find meaning in the small things – a quiet walk through the forest, a dog’s first tail wag after trauma, a shared meal at the end of a long day.
You’ll also be immersed in Turkish rural life – from traditional ways of living and working to our food, values, and connection to animals and land. We may cook together, drink tea, or simply sit and talk under the trees.
I believe cultural exchange is not about sightseeing, but about sharing a piece of your heart and receiving another in return. That’s what this place is about – and I hope you leave here with more than memories: with connection, purpose, and peace.
Help
🛠️ What You’ll Help With
As the only full-time caregiver here, I truly rely on volunteers.
Your help may include:
- Feeding and cleaning animals
-Changing diapers for paralyzed dogs (up to 6× daily)
-Cleaning the house, laundry area, veranda
-Carrying heavy food bags (~50 packages to storage)
-Cutting grass, gathering firewood, basic repairs
-Accompanying animals on forest walks or playtime
-Giving time, love, and presence
-If you have any practical or handyman skills, there are also some small repair and maintenance tasks where your help would be greatly appreciated!
Languages spoken
Turkish: Fluent
English: Beginner
Accommodation
🏠 Accommodation & Food
You’ll stay in a simple attic room.
If I have more than 1 guest, the room will unfortunately have to be shared. But we can discuss this in advance. I sleep in the main room with elderly and paralyzed dogs – it brings them comfort, and I love being close to them.
Please note: Dogs are present throughout the house, as I currently live alone with nearly 60 animals and have not been able to build outdoor shelters yet – neither financially nor physically. The dogs share the living space with me, and the atmosphere is full of fur, movement, and love. If you’re comfortable being surrounded by animals day and night, you’ll feel right at home.
-Basic, shared facilities (no luxury)
- Wi-Fi is available
Food:
-I’m vegan, though eat mostly vegetarian due to limited resources
-We can cook and eat together, or you can prepare your own meals
Shared meals are a beautiful way to connect after a day of caring
What else ...
We are in the forest. There are many historical places and we are in nature. A very beautiful beach and the sea are very close to us.
Because of this, the sanctuary can only be reached by car or taxi. There is currently no public transport connection to the farm. It takes 20 min from the main road
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Space for parking camper vans
Our place is suitable for pretty much everything
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
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