“Nablus July 15 Children’s Cultural Centre” Inaugurated in Palestine

The Children’s Cultural Centre, located in the historical old city of Nablus, one of the largest cities in Palestine, has been organizing cultural activities for children and young people since 1987. Recently, it was renovated with the contributions of Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA).

TİKA added an additional floor to increase the centre’s capacity. The new floor was equipped with essential materials such as bookshelves, projectors, sound systems, air conditioners, tables and chairs to be used as a multi-purpose centre. The centre is open every day of the week, serving approximately 30,000 children and young people annually in areas such as music, painting, handicrafts, reading and personal development.

The opening ceremony of the hall, named the “Nablus July 15 Children’s Cultural Centre” to honor the memories of our July 15^th martyrs, was attended by Nablus Governor, Ghassan Daghlas; Nablus Mayor, Dr. Husam Shakshir; Nablus Mufti, Ahmed Shubash; Nablus Provincial Health Director, Ramiz Duwekat; Palestine Yunus Emre Institute Director, Cengiz Eroğlu; TİKA’s Coordinator in Palestine, Orhan Aydın; former President of the Palestinian Turkish Alumni Association, Prof. Dr. Mahmud Matar; Turkish alumni and officials from the Nablus Chamber of Commerce and the Cultural Centre.

After the prayers for the July 15^th martyrs and Palestinian martyrs and the singing of national anthems, Nablus Governor Daghlas made a speech. He stated that his grandfather, Bekir Abu Bakr, was martyred in Diyarbakır during World War I, highlighting that Palestine and Türkiye share many common historical values and a connected future.

In his speech, Nablus Mayor Shakshir emphasized that the relationship between the two peoples is one of brotherhood and noted that the Ottoman artifacts in Nablus bear witness to this connection.  Shakshir also praised the Turkish nation’s resistance on July 15, saying “Just as the Turkish people triumphed on July 15, our people will also triumph.”

Matar, the former President of the Palestinian Turkish Alumni Association, remarked that the will of the people triumphed over cannons and rifles on the night of July 15^th. He noted that all Palestinians stayed up until the morning, praying in front of their televisions that night and said, “May Allah never let this calamity happen again.”

In his speech, TİKA’s Coordinator in Palestine Orhan Aydın referred to the events of the night of July 15, 2016 and its aftermath. He stated that FETÖ poses a threat not only to Türkiye but also to all states within its reach and emphasized that the fight against this terrorist organization will continue in every field.

After the speeches, a film about July 15 was screened.