The former professional footballer Deniz Naki was received with great interest in the south Martyr Rustem Cudi Refugee Camp in Makhmur, southern Kurdistan. Naki, who was banned by the Turkish Football Association for three and a half years on the basis of anti-war messages, visited families and the camp's various facilities. With youth he organized a football match.

Deniz Naki told the RojNews news agency about the visit: "This is my first time here. The people in the camp welcomed me warmly. I immediately felt at home. The doors are open to all visitors. Being here is a very special feeling."

Naki said he visited families and talked to people, telling; "I have already visited places like Cizre and Nusaybin. I felt the same in those places, too. In the evening I played soccer with the youths. The population of Makhmur watched it. The people here are very selfless and hardworking. When hearing the word Makhmur, you immediately think of people who are committed to their values, their homeland and their culture. "

In Turkey, this refugee camp is often associated with "terror", said the footballer, who had survived uninjured in an attack of unknown perpetrators on the highway near Düren at the beginning of the year. "I have seen the mothers, the young people, the children and all the inhabitants of the camp. To associate them with terrorism is completely wrong. For me it was exciting to meet these people. Here it becomes clear with what limited possibilities great successes can be achieved. These people cannot be left alone. They pursue no material goals, but ideal ones. I have met very talented teens and I'm glad I came. I hope I can come back soon."