Muhammed, a bibliophile from Adiyaman, Türkiye, has always had a passion for literature and poetry. He had dreams of opening a bookshop as his retirement plan, but when earthquakes struck his hometown in 2023, his plans were expedited. He lost many relatives and witnessed the devastation caused by the earthquakes, prompting him to take action to help his community heal. After receiving medical treatment in Istanbul, he returned to Adiyaman to find that a ‘social market’ was being constructed in the town center, which included a bookshop as part of the recovery plans. Muhammed was selected to lead this effort due to his reputation as a booklover in the community.
Despite facing challenges in starting from scratch after the earthquakes, Muhammed was determined to use books as a tool for collective healing in his community. With the support of the Turkish Red Crescent and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) cash grant program, he was able to purchase new bookshelves to improve the aesthetics and comfort of his bookshop. The cash grant program, part of IOM’s wider support to recovery efforts in the region, helps entrepreneurs like Muhammed reestablish or expand their businesses, driving socioeconomic activity in the affected areas.
Since opening his bookshop almost a year ago, Muhammed has seen positive results in his community. He believes that books have the power to teach and evoke a range of emotions, from pain to happiness, and has made it his mission to help people recover through literature. The bookshop serves as a gathering place for residents to find solace, learn, and connect with others. Muhammed’s dedication to his community and his passion for books have made a significant impact on the healing process in Adiyaman.
The IOM’s cash grant program has supported over 300 entrepreneurs in 10 provinces, including migrants, refugees, and host community members, in various sectors such as food, textile, and services. By providing financial assistance to entrepreneurs like Muhammed, the program aims to boost economic activity and aid in the recovery and rebuilding efforts in earthquake-affected areas. Muhammed’s success story serves as an example of how individuals can make a difference in their communities by pursuing their passions and using their skills to contribute to the greater good.
As World Book and Copyright Day approaches on April 23, Muhammed’s story is a reminder of the transformative power of literature and the resilience of communities in the face of adversity. Through his dedication to his bookshop and his commitment to helping others heal through books, Muhammed has become a beacon of hope in Adiyaman. His journey from a book-loving teenager to a community leader and entrepreneur showcases the impact that one person can have on their surroundings when driven by a passion for knowledge and a desire to make a difference.
