Damascus News Platform
The sixth book by Turkish writer and researcher Perin Birsaygili Mut in the field of Palestinian studies has recently been published. Over many years, she has become a leading figure in Turkey thanks to her work on Palestinian literature and culture. Her new book is titled “This Is Jerusalem: The Story of Jerusalem Radio under the British Mandate (1936–1948)”, and it tells Turkish readers the story of Jerusalem Radio.
Perin Birsaygili Mut expressed her feelings about the book, which she said she had worked on for a long time, stating:
“From the very first day I began working on Palestinian literature and culture, I found myself inside an extraordinarily fascinating story. This great story, shaped by thousands of different struggles for dignity, made me admire it more and more each day. Despite all forms of oppression and injustice, the Palestinian people continued their tireless struggle to preserve their identity and homeland. This struggle had many different fronts, and without a doubt, it deserves to be known much better in our country. We needed to speak more about the story of Palestine, about the struggle of those honorable people, many of whom are no longer with us today, and to tell one another more about that noble determination which never retreated, even in the face of the heaviest sacrifices.
The story of ‘Jerusalem Radio’ under the British Mandate was one of those stories. This radio station, established during an extremely sensitive period for the Palestinian people, became the stage for a great struggle. Threats, pressure, and even terrorist attacks… yet nothing was able to break their will. The radio building in Jerusalem became a frontline where they fought with all their strength to remain steadfast on the road that eventually led to the establishment of Israel.
In the book, I spoke about a large number of important figures who passed through the radio station, such as Khalil al-Sakakini, Ibrahim Tuqan, Asma Tubi, Abdul Hamid Yasin, Mohammad Adeeb al-Amiri, Ajaj Nuwayhid, Mohammad Kurd Ali, Khalil Beidas, Adeeb Mansour, Yahya al-Lababidi, and Henriette Sakakini. There are also many more names whom I remember with great gratitude and mercy.
I would also like to extend special thanks to someone who is no longer with us today: Nasri al-Jozi, founder of the Al-Jozi Theatre Group. The late Nasri al-Jozi’s writings about the radio station were a unique source for me, and without his memoirs, my task would have been far more difficult. I extend my gratitude to the great الأستاذ Nasri al-Jozi and pray for God’s mercy upon him.
This book was an experience that taught me a great deal. My greatest hope is that it will contribute to Palestinian studies and be beneficial to dear readers. And, God willing, I hope to continue speaking about Palestine always.”
