IBBY-Yamada 2025: Türkiye

IBBY Türkiye
Water’s Natural Symphony: Flowing, Moving, Healing Stories

In the aftermath of the devastating 2023 earthquakes, this project utilised the metaphor of water as a healing force to help 45 children (aged 8–15) in Nurhak, Kahramanmaraş, process trauma and rebuild cultural memory. Relocating the IBBY Türkiye Children’s Library to the affected district, the initiative trained participants in photovoice methodology, photography, and bibliotherapy. Guided by professional photographers and therapists, children captured approximately 250 images reflecting their lived experiences, using water as a symbolic lens to explore themes of loss, resilience, migration, and the restoration of damaged local landmarks.

The methodology integrated expressive arts, including dance, drama, and creative writing, enabling children to articulate complex emotions through visual and narrative means. Participants developed critical thinking skills by drawing analogies between water’s characteristics (flow, freezing, evaporation) and their own psychological states. A standout achievement was the collaborative composition of an original song dedicated to the local River Göksu, featuring lyrics written by the children and music by professional artists. The project fostered intergenerational dialogue, as 41 IBBY Türkiye members (authors and illustrators) created literary texts inspired by the children’s photographs, bridging the gap between young survivors and the literary community.

Project outcomes were disseminated through three major exhibitions: a local showing in Nurhak for families, a month-long display at Istanbul’s 5th International Children’s Rights Festival, and a featured presentation at the Istanbul TÜYAP International Book Fair. These events reached thousands of visitors, raising awareness about post-disaster childhood experiences. The collected works are currently being compiled into a book, and the project methodology will be presented at the 40th IBBY World Congress in 2026. By transforming trauma into creative expression, the project has established a sustainable model for psychosocial support and cultural preservation in disaster-affected regions.