ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia

A Turkish charity distributed meat to the needy in Ethiopia on the occasion of Eid al-Adha.

People lined outside the Al Nur Mosque in the suburbs of the capital of Ethiopia, Addis Ababa where Diyanet had set up a meat distribution camp.

"This gesture from our brothers and sisters in Turkey to support us during the COVID-19 pandemic has touched us immensely," said Abdi Awol, chairman of the mosque committee.

"At least 1,500 families got the meat for Eid celebration," he said.

A total of 50,000 animals were slaughtered by Diyanet in the East African nation.

Cemil Alici, country head of the charity, said they were happy to help their Ethiopian brothers and sisters and upholding the spirit of sharing on Eid.

On Eid al-Adha, one of the two main Muslim holidays, people who can afford to slaughter an animal do so and distribute most of the meat to the needy, neighbors and relatives.