In the heart of Istanbul, in the building of an old madrasah belonging to the Turkic World Research Foundation an opening ceremony of the first Tatar library in Turkey was held. The library was named after Gayaz Iskhaki.
The opening ceremony was attended by representatives of Tatar and Turkish public, as well as the singing of Tatar and Turkish national anthems. The library was opened by enthusiasts and the Union of Tatar Youth “Azatlyk”. Now the library has 150 books, most of them in Tatar: literature, history, the study of the Tatar language.
A special place was given to Gayaz Iskhaki. The library has legendary works of the writer, such as “Zuleikha”, “Disappearance in two hundred years”, etc. There are also books in Turkish, but about Tatars or written by Tatars. For example, books and translations by Yusuf Akcura, Sadri Maksudi, and Gayaz Iskhaki. Books are available at the library every day, except Sundays, from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. There is also an opportunity to sit, relax and drink tea while reading books at once. The location of the library is very convenient, it is not far from the Istanbul City Hall.
According to library organizer Nail Nabiullin, there are plans to increase the number of books in the library and expand its activities.
“This year we celebrate the 145th anniversary of the birth of our great leader Gayaz Iskhakiya. That’s why the library was named after Iskhakia. He lived and worked in Istanbul, and his grave is not far from here. So the place has a symbolic meaning. Along with the opening of the library, we are launching numerous events dedicated to Gayaz Ishaqi.
I have had the idea of opening a Tatar library in Istanbul for a long time. I see a need for it. Many of our compatriots live in Istanbul. In our opinion, a Tatar library is important to unite our compatriots and strengthen the national core. Everyone has the right to read Tatar books, get closer to Tatar literature and native language, and live in a national environment. The opening of the library will open up such opportunities. We plan to hold regular Tatar meetings, literary evenings, and Tatar language courses here,” said Nail Nabiullin.
The festivities ended with a traditional tea party, where guests could sample traditional Tatar cuisine. At the end of it, the guests sang the unofficial anthem of the Tatar people “Tugan tel” to the words of poet Gabdulla Tukay.