The library of the renowned Nesin foundation was flooded and could no longer be used by personnel or students. Severe rainfall surprised Istanbul and its surroundings on 9 September 2009 and resulted in the worst flooding since eighty years. In some areas the water rose as far as twee meters above sea level. Thanks to the incredible quick response of the personnel of the Nesin Foundation 30.00 books and 300.000 pages of the Nesin archive were saved from the rising water. The library of the Nesin Foundation can be seen as an important preserver of the literary, social and political history of Turkey between the years 1956 to 1995. Unfortunately the furniture in the Library and all the bookshelves were soaked by the flooding and need to be replaced as soon as possible before they collapse and cause even more damages. Doors, windows, the roof and also the electrical network need replacing since they cause a threat for both people and the collection of the foundation. CER and TEFAF are supporting the rehabilitation of the building of the Nesin Foundation and is making funds available to digitalize their unique archive to ensure its safeguarding. It is the second time TEFAF has contributed to projects undertaken by CER. The Nesin Foundation was established in 1937 by Turkish writer and activist Aziz Nesin (1915-1995) who fought against Islamic fundamentalism. He survived an attack on 37 poets and writers who gathered in hotel Sivas Madimak in 1993. Here, 37 from Alevis descent were killed. The Nesin Foundation now functions as an educational centre and a home for orphans, homeless children and young adults.
TEFAF (The European Art Fair, Maastricht, The Netherlands)
In 2010 the Fair introduces TEFAF on Paper, a new section devoted entirely to drawings, prints, photography and rare books. In this context TEFAF was keen to contribute to the rehabilitation and digitalization of the renowned Nesin Foundation, its library and its archive, in Çatalca, near Istanbul, Turkey.
In 2010 the European Art Fair is held from 12 to 21 March in Maastricht, The Netherlands. www.tefaf.com
The Nesin Foundation talks about the flood
The flooded Nesin foundation and the efforts made to save the library and archive
CER provides emergency relief for cultural heritages that have been affected by man-made or natural disasters.
Cultural Emergency Response
Prince Claus Fund
Herengracht 603
1017 CE Amsterdam
Tel. 31 (0)20 3449160
Fax 31 (0)20 3449166
E-mail cer@princeclausfund.nl
www.princeclausfund.nl
