THE owners of a popular Syrian restaurant in Bradford have spoken out as their family continues to be impacted by the devastating earthquake that hit parts of Turkey and Syria.

Kunafa Tea on Thornton Road was opened by Syrian refugees in 2021 and has made its mark on Bradford’s food scene.

The owners have raised thousands of pounds for victims of the earthquake at the restaurant and have spoken about the devastation faced by some of their staff members. 

An earthquake with a magnitude of 7.8 hit Turkey and Syria on February 6 in the early hours of the morning.

Abdulrahman Mkia, one of the owners of Kunafa Tea said: “Our business was impacted by the earthquake as members of staff were unable to work for a couple of days because of they were so emotional.

“One of our staff members lost 11 members of his family in the earthquake and it’s been difficult seeing all the videos on social media.

“We’ve got family that were hit by the earthquake but thankfully they’ve found shelter and are doing okay.

“Everyone here knows someone who has been impacted by the earthquake, even here in the restaurant, we know of so many people directly impacted.

“Whole families have been wiped out, family homes have been destroyed and this will impact generations of families.”

The restaurant has been raising money for a charity in Manchester called ‘Action for Humanity’ which already had people on the ground in Syria.

“We’re collecting money in a box and one person came in and donated £1000, which was really amazing," said Abdulrahman.

“We’re trying to raise as much as we can to help the charity, but a lot of people want to go and help directly which we’re being told isn’t the best thing right now.

“We need to raise awareness because this isn’t something that’s going to end, it’s going to take years.”

It was snowing and the middle of winter when the earthquake hit and many families were sound asleep before they were awoken and their homes came crashing down.

Abdulrahman, added: “It’s really difficult to process this.

“How many more times can the people of Syria flee their homes, this isn’t the first or second time.”

The restaurant is continuing to raise funds for victims of the earthquake, both in Turkey and Syria.