Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Mesture Erdelan Library, Diyarbakır Metropolitan Municipality Co-Mayor Serra Bucak said they would swiftly begin work with Bağlar Municipality to deliver new libraries.
Opened in Şeyh Şamil neighbourhood in Bağlar district under the slogan “A library for every neighbourhood”, the Mesture Erdelan Library—named after Mesture Erdelan, recognised as the first known Kurdish woman historian—was brought into service through a partnership between Diyarbakır Metropolitan Municipality and Bağlar Municipality.
The opening was attended by Co-Mayor Serra Bucak; Bağlar Municipality Co-Mayors Leyla Ayaz and Siraç Çelik; members of the Metropolitan Municipal Council; DEM Party Bağlar District Co-Chairs; and hundreds of young people.
Co-Mayor Bucak: ‘A sign we are doing the right thing’
Addressing the ceremony, Co-Mayor Bucak welcomed the strong interest shown by young people, saying: “This is a sign that we are doing the right thing. Since the day we were elected, we have said that we stand alongside every small- and medium-scale project in our neighbourhoods that supports young people’s education and personal development. We made that commitment. Perhaps, given Bağlar’s population, this library is not very large—but our belief in delivering a bigger one is right here. Together with Bağlar Municipality, we will quickly begin our work for further libraries.
‘Passing on this experience’
Noting that young people most frequently request study spaces and the opening of libraries, Co-Mayor Serra Bucak said: “We come from a very important tradition; we need to pass on this experience, expand it and adapt it to today. We must, together and under young people’s leadership, organise a generation that demonstrates—on the streets of Amed—that a democratic, peaceful life of living together is possible through an organised society. May our library bring good fortune. I thank all colleagues who contributed.”
‘We will deliver services collectively’
Bağlar Municipality Co-Mayor Siraç Çelik, stressing that young people shape the future of society, said: “We made a promise; we will do everything we can for young people.” Stating that they would open two more libraries in the near future, Çelik continued: “We ask only one thing of our young people: come and read here. You will help us make up for our shortcomings. We will do everything we can. Whatever the district needs, we will deliver services together and collectively. We believe in our people and our young people. From the point where shortcomings are identified, better things will emerge. Hand in hand, we will continue working for better days.”
Following the speeches, the co-mayors officially opened the library by cutting the ribbon together with young people. After the opening, they toured the library and received briefings from the relevant municipal units.
An accessible study space
Established on an area of 221 square metres, the library aims to provide an accessible study environment for both students and adults, with a seating capacity of 72 and a dedicated reading room.
