Bringing censored books into the spotlight

Speak Up, P24’s platform campaigning against censorship, launched monthly events at the Kıraathane Istanbul Literature House to highlight books considered “harmful” by a state committee to protect minors. Each month, Speak Up invites an author or editor to engage the readers in a discussion about these books and their authors, helping them understand the values that precisely countervail the ones endorsed by the government.

Measures enforced by the Committee for the Protection of Minors from Harmful Publications in Turkey have severely damaged the “flagged” books. Yet, they have managed to maintain their presence among a knowledgeable and resilient readership. Under the Committee’s instruction, bookstores have resorted to hiding the covers of these books, significantly impacting their physical circulation. The publisher of Heartstopper, for instance, has been hindered from printing the last two volumes of the series due to the backlash. However, the books continue to be sold, albeit in envelopes, a testament to their resilience.

Children’s book editor Mehmet Erkurt joined in January to tell us what made Morris Micklewhite and the Tangerine Dress a story of kindness and self-compassion. This illustrated book, published by the small but fiercely vocal feminist press Güldünya Yayınları, describes a little boy who defies the judgment of his peers to embrace his authenticity in the face of gender stereotypes. Written by Christine Baldacchino, illustrated by Isabelle Malenfant, and translated by Deniz Özülke, Morris Micklewhite and the Tangerine Dress tactfully and gracefully brings children to question gender norms, encouraging them to cherish differences – a way of conduct apparently deemed “harmful” by Turkish censors.

February’s book discussion held on a bright and sunny Saturday featured author Karin Karakaşlı, who presented Alice Oseman’s acclaimed young adult LGBTQ+ graphic novel series Heartstopper. All three volumes published by Yabancı Yayınları were ruled as “inappropriate for minors” by the Committee, in an act that can be interpreted as a clear extension of nationwide bans and crackdown on LGBTQ+ gatherings and events. The discussion brought together a diverse group of enthusiasts, all united by their love for the graphic novel and the series inspired by the books. Karakaşlı’s impassioned plea for the importance of these stories, particularly for young adults, resonated deeply with the attendees.

Speak Up’s event at Kıraathane on the first Saturday of March featured poet Deniz Durukan as a guest. She spoke on a Jeanette Winterson classic, Sexing the Cherry, explaining how gender stereotypes unraveled in the novel, becoming elusive and ultimately futile. The book, which has been available in Turkish for over 20 years, was labeled “harmful” only last year.

The events were a testament to the platform’s commitment to fostering curiosity and resistance against censorship. More events are to come at Kıraathane to draw public attention to censored books and artworks.