A children’s book introducing the poetry and literary legacy of Turkish Cypriot writer Osman Türkay has been selected for distribution to state libraries across Türkiye, opening the door for more young readers to discover his work.
Written by author, sociologist and documentary filmmaker Semra Eren-Nijhar, Çocuklar İçin Osman Türkay (Osman Türkay for Children) has been included among the books chosen by Türkiye’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism for its library network.
Eren-Nijhar, whose research has helped document and promote Türkay’s life and writing, said the selection was a source of both happiness and pride. It is her second work to be selected by the Turkish Culture and Tourism Ministry, according to the announcement.
“The prospect of my book reaching children in every corner of Türkiye brings me indescribable happiness and has a special meaning for me,” she said.
“Adding my book to state libraries will help Osman Türkay’s poetry and literary legacy reach a wider audience.”
The book aims to introduce children and younger generations to the poet’s writing, ideas and contribution to literature, helping to pass on an important part of Turkish Cypriot cultural heritage.
Its launch took place on 16 February this year, Türkay’s birthday, at a reception at the TRNC Representative Office in Berlin, with the support of TRNC Berlin Representative Emine Andız Ertürk.
TRNC London Representative Aysan Mullahasan Atılgan also welcomed the ministry’s decision, describing it as an important achievement in bringing Türkay’s legacy to a broader readership.
“Passing on the literary legacy of an important Turkish Cypriot poet such as Osman Türkay to our children is immensely valuable for carrying our culture and literature into future generations,” she said.
Congratulating Eren-Nijhar, Atılgan expressed the hope that the book would help children get to know Türkay and explore his literary inheritance.
Born on 16 February 1927 in the village now known as Ozanköy, near Girne, Türkay became an internationally recognised Turkish Cypriot poet whose career also encompassed journalism, translation and literary criticism. He spent much of his adult life in London, studying journalism and philosophy and writing in both Turkish and English. He died in Cyprus in 2001.
Often described as the “space-age poet”, Türkay explored the universe, humanity’s place within it and the changes brought by modern science and technology. His writing drew on Eastern philosophy, mythology and Western literature, giving his poetry a scope that extended far beyond his island birthplace.
His poetry collections include 7 Telli (1959), Uyurgezer (1969) and Evrenin Düşünde Gezgin (1971). His work reached readers in numerous languages, while his own translations helped connect Turkish and English literary audiences.
For Eren-Nijhar, the library selection advances the purpose at the heart of her book: ensuring that younger generations have the opportunity to encounter Türkay’s poetry and discover his imaginative world.
