Writer Ali Nesim Commemorated

Ali Nesim was remembered with a commemoration ceremony held at his grave on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of his death. An esteemed researcher and writer, Ali Nesim, who was one of the significant figures in Turkish Cypriot literature, he served as the President of the Cyprus Turkish Writers’ Union for many years.  He died on May 10, 2014.

Who was in attendance at the commemoration ceremony?

Attending the commemoration ceremony were Girne Municipality Director, Hüseyin Köle, Zeytinlik Village Head, Hatice Aydın, the late Ali Nesim’s wife, Tülay Nesimoğlu, his son, Tayfun Nesimoğlu, and Şevket Öznur, the President of the Cyprus Turkish Writers’ Union, along with other admirers.

Köle expressed his respect and admiration for Ali Nesim on the 10th anniversary of his death, emphasizing his significant place in their history and as a valuable figure emerging from their community.  Tayfun Nesimoğlu thanked everyone who attended the ceremony, stating that his father’s works are still alive and cherished.  He also announced that Ali Nesim’s book “Şahmaran” can be listened to via the ‘storytel’ application narrated by Osman Alkaş.

Şevket Öznur, the President of the Cyprus Turkish Writers’ Union, mentioned his collaboration with the late author, stating that they worked together on books, shared the same room for years, and he considered Ali Nesim as a father figure. He also confirmed that Ali Nesim’s book “Şahmaran” can now be accessed by everyone online via the ‘storytel’ application.

Zeytinlik Village Head Hatice Aydın said that Ali Nesim once again brought his admirers together. She expressed her respect and admiration for Ali Nesim, emphasizing his great importance for Zeytinlik Village and how he made them love their village even more.

Who Was Ali Nesim?

Born on January 10, 1941, in Zeytinlik (Templos) village, Ali Nesim Nesimoğlu was one of the significant figures in Turkish Cypriot literature. After graduating from Ankara University’s Faculty of Language, History, and Geography with a degree in Sociology and Philosophy, he worked as a teacher and administrator for many years.

Ali Nesim, who also served as the director of the Cyprus Turkish State Theatres, was known for his research and studies on literature, social issues, and the Turkish Cypriot people. He also held the presidency of the Cyprus Turkish Writers’ Union. In the preface of his last book, “The Lament of an Olive Tree,” which revolves around his love for olives, Nesim wrote, “In this book, I have tried to narrate the tragic stories of the trees I know best, considering it an inevitable duty.”