We haven’t been in Turkey long enough to know much, so when we saw this house in Arnavutköy on Tuesday, I did a little bit of research. Türkan Saylan, who died of cancer on Monday, lived in this house on the main street in Arnavutköy. She was a doctor who devoted her career to eradicating leprosy in Turkey. In 1986, she was awarded the International Ghandi Prize for this work.
In 1989, she began to focus on literacy and education, especially for girls. She founded the Association for Supporting Contemporary Life, or ÇYDD, which provides scholarships and support for high school and college students throughout Turkey. During her final days, the ÇYDD and Saylan were investigated by the government as part of the Ergenekon plot to overthrow the government.
It is reported in some media that her final message was this: “I completed all of my appointments, I fulfilled all of my duties. Now I am ready to die.” According to other media, her final words were: “Send 100,000 girls to school.” Either way, she sounds like a remarkable lady who lived a generous life.
Symbolically, her funeral was held on Tuesday, May 19, a national holiday commemorating Mustafa Kemal Atatürk who launched launched Turkey’s War of Independence on May 19, 1919.
More information:
Doctor, Children’s Advocate, and Suspect
ÇYDD founder Türkan Saylan dies of cancer
Prominent Turkish academic Türkan Saylan, NGO head dies from cancer at 74
Tags: Arnavutköy · istanbul · Türkan Saylan · Turkey1 Comment
I learn something new from every one of your blogs–two so far! This is amazing, and something we should all be aware of and emulate. Thanks for great reporting. Ann Marie