Discharged Academics Set up Library in Mersin: ‘Culturehouse’
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Academics discharged from Mersin University have established a library in Yenişehir district in Mersin province. The library will open on September 23.
Prof. Dr. Ayşegül Yılgör, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ulaş Bayraktar and Galip Deniz Altınay, three academics who were discharged from the Mersin University through a statutory decree for signing the peace declaration "We will not be a party to this crime", and feminist-activist Nalan Turgutlu Bilgin came together to realize the idea of setting up a library.
The four founders came up with the idea of setting up a "Kültürhane" (a culture house/library) where they bring together the private libraries and books donated by their 18 academic friends who were discharged for signing the peace declaration of the academics, and offer free access to the library for readers.
To actualize their idea, they have created space where people from every segment can come together reading books, writing their thesis, studying while enjoying a tea or coffee.
They have received many donations from other people in addition to their academic friends as well. The assortment and classification of the books still continue, they are experiencing some problems due to lack of space and therefore had to even stop receiving donations temporarily.
There are many activities, the founders want to carry out on regarding the "culture" aspect of the library: "Solidarity Academy" lectures, various workshops, conversations/interviews and autograph sessions.
"Kültürhane" is located on the Pozcu-Dikenli Yol, that is a central part of Mersin province. Some properties of the project especially the easy access to its location, the fact that every step being taken in solidarity and every detail being planned including a disabled access ramp, make the library a precious piece of work.
Every object has its own story
From the lemonade which is created by Profesör Ayşe Gül as an end product of an r&d process and is being served by Dr. Deniz, to the cookies baked by feminist Nalan, every piece and person in this library has their own story.
Local products are being served in the library as well. Instead of coke, one can enjoy the local soda of Adana province here, or the tea from the Hopa Cooperative from the Black Sea region as well as the marmelade of Refugee Kitchen Among Women.
Every piece named after discharged academics
The founders have given the names of every academic friend of theirs who were discharged from the university to the tables in the garden. The bills are being written and tabs are being started under the name of the academics Ali Ekber, Hakan, Bediz and Selim.
The library is named after their research assistant friend Sevilay Kaygalar who has lost her life recently. The succulents of academic Bediz Bayraktar who is currently abroad, are being displayed on special shelves.
The Kültürhane is a public area to open on September 23 and meet with people from Mersin. (BA/BK/DG)