Un Libro Avierto – Açık Kitap is an innovative initiative developed to address the lack of accessible knowledge about Jewish religion and culture within Türkiye. The project seeks to challenge prejudice and misinformation by offering reliable, thoughtfully curated resources that celebrate cultural diversity. By bringing together voices from academia, education, civil society, and media, it fosters dialogue and deeper understanding across communities.
At the heart of the project is a Turkish-language book exploring the diversity of Jewish communities around the world. The book will be published as an open-access digital resource and accompanied by four educational modules designed to support inclusive learning in both formal and informal settings. Together, these materials aim to provide practical tools for confronting stereotypes, encouraging critical thinking, and introducing the depth and breadth of Jewish studies to students, academics, media professionals, and anyone interested in learning more.
A participatory approach is central to Un Libro Avierto. A working group of educators, students, and professionals contribute insights and feedback throughout the development process, ensuring the content is relevant, responsive, and reflective of diverse perspectives. The project also features workshops, a guide on using artificial intelligence in education, and a dedicated website hosting all resources, freely accessible to educators, researchers, and the wider community.
The project is coordinated by Jacob Ceki Hazan, who developed the concept as a sub-grantee following his completion of the Hrant Dink Foundation’s Minority Rights Academy. Building on his earlier co-leadership of Despertar İzmir, a European Union-funded initiative led by the Izmir Jewish Community Foundation (izmirjcc.org), he brings experience in fostering cultural dialogue and awareness through education. Un Libro Avierto aspires to contribute towards an open, accessible educational model in Türkiye. By combining academic rigour with accessibility, it nurtures curiosity, empathy, and a greater appreciation of pluralism. Ultimately, it invites learners to engage with Jewish culture and history as a meaningful and shared part of the wider social fabric.
This project is implemented throughout 2025 with the support of the European Union,
within the framework of the Hrant Dink Foundation’s Minority Rights Academy sub-grant programme, in collaboration with the Civil and Ecological Rights Association (SEHAK) and
the Despertar Izmir platform.