HESNA MIHEMED

Aleppo- The Nagihan Akarsel Reading House, a library, was opened in Aleppo’s Sheikh Maqsood neighborhood on October 4, 2023 by the Jineology Academy. There are various historical, cultural and philosophical books in Kurdish, Arabic and Turkish languages at the reading house. NuJINHA spoke to an employee of the reading house and the readers visiting it.

‘The first library opened for students’

“As the members of the Jineology Academy, we decided to open a library for students because students suffered a lot especially after the Feb.6 earthquake so that they would have a space to study,” said Orîvan Ebdo, an employee of the reading house. “Our library was opened and it is the first library opened for students in North and East Syria. It is important for students to be able to continue their education without being affected by the current situation and siege in the neighborhood.”

‘It is for people of all ages’

The library has many books and develops projects for young people. “Young people read many books to learn about other cultures. The library provides scientific, cultural and philosophical books to them. Not only young people but also people of all ages come to the library to read books. We plan to form a student group to watch cultural and historical documentaries. Our aim is to provide a space to students away from war and siege.”

‘They are the symbols of our resistance'

The reading house is named after Nagihan Akarsel because “this project was the dream of Nagihan Akarsel. Nagihan was a Kurdish woman dreaming to create a reading culture in society. We always vow to realize the dreams of resisting women. They are the symbols of our resistance,” Orîvan Ebdo told us.

She spends her days at the library

Şehed Xelûf is a young Arab woman frequently visiting the reading house. “I live in the neighborhood of Sheikh Maqsood. I always come to the reading house because I have no opportunity to study at home. At the library, we study and read English and Kurdish books. We learn Kurdish history and culture by reading books. My friends and I come together at the library to share our thoughts with each other. The reading house is a great opportunity for us to improve ourselves. Every day, I come to the library in the morning and read books until 5 p.m. I spend my days at the library.”