Konya Jerusalem Study Group releases book inspired by Naci el-Ali

The Jerusalem Study Group, a volunteer organization composed primarily of university students under the Konya Metropolitan Municipality, has released a new book titled ‘40 Çizgi 40 Öykü: Kalem, Direniş, Hafıza’ (40 Lines 40 Stories: Pen, Resistance, Memory).

The project features 40 stories written by prominent Turkish authors, including Sadık Yalsızuçanlar, Güray Süngü, Mustafa Çiftci, Abdullah Harmancı, and Peren Birsaygılı Mut. Each story was inspired by the iconic caricatures of the master cartoonist Naci el-Ali, specifically focusing on the symbol of Palestinian resistance, Hanzala.

During the book's introduction, Konya Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Uğur İbrahim Altay discussed the significance of Hanzala, the character depicted with his back to the world and face toward Palestine. Altay stated that the character would turn his face toward the world once Gaza achieves independence. He described the work as a symbol of standing against the actions in Gaza and a tribute to the Palestinian people through art and literature.