Millions of Syrians have been forced to leave their war-torn country and many have taken refuge in neighbouring Turkey. Settling in a new country where many don’t speak the language is a huge challenge. That is why computer programmer Mojahid Akil, himself a Syrian refugee, has created the
Gherbtna app, which helps exiled Syrians adjust to life in Turkey.

It provides much-needed guidance to the confusing and disorienting process of settling into a new country.

“We created this application just over a year ago to help Syrians living in Turkey who don’t know how to communicate with people in Turkey, or face difficulties obtaining residency and opening bank accounts, people who suffer from a lack of information. So that’s why we created this application and website,” says Mojahed Akil.

Both the app and its website have proved extremely popular among Syrian refugees in Turkey.

Currently available on Andorid handsets, the app should soon be available for a variety of other smar