As an educational book series, the fourth edition of the series, Rıza Şehri was launched to its readers last week. Published by Qızılbaş Publishing, there have been many contributors to the book such as Abbas Tan, Cem Erseven and Zafer Çoban along with the drawings belonging to Hasan Bölücek and Gülay Dalkılıç.
Haringey’s recently elected mayor Ali Gül Özbek, said “It is my great pleasure to be hosting Alevi Federation’s thriving enterprise here, this book means a lot to me as this books stands for representing communism, socialism and mutual living, if only everyone out there knew the preciousness of being together and united”.
Drawing the images in the book, artist Hasan Bölücek then explained the process of drawing the sketches for the book and stated how much it meant for him. Bölücek said “When we were young we couldn’t find books tackling and telling the Alevism; therefore we wanted to make it stop and started publishing books in conjunction with Qızılbaş Publishing and Britain Alevi Federation. The books we had published 2 years ago such as Kaygusuz Abdal, Cem and Semah made a huge positive impact and now we are here, launching our fourth book. We simply couldn’t feel prouder and I would like to thank everyone who contributed to our book”.
Alevi Federation’s president, İsrafil Erbil then told the stories of Rıza Şehri then made a speech saying “Rıza (permission, will) is the most important in every single action in our lives. From relationships to career, we always need the will and permission to live happily and healthy ever after. I do believe this book delivers a significant moral message to the young generation especially, to remind ourselves the importance of Rıza”.
