Şehribanu TuranA captivating afternoon unfolded at Yunus Emre Enstitüsü – London on February 15th as the institute celebrated the launch of Gamze Özdemir’s latest children’s book, “4 Seasons, 4 Cities, 4 Birds.”
The story writing workshop, a hit among young attendees, brought to life the vibrant tales of four distinct birds journeying through Türkiye’s diverse cities, igniting creativity and cultural appreciation among its participants.
The event began with opening speeches by Dr. Mehmet Karakuş and the Turkish Ambassador to London, Osman Koray Ertaş. Both speakers emphasized the importance of learning Turkish and engaged with the children and families present.
Participants, guided by Gamze Özdemir, explored life through the eyes of four birds traveling through different cities in Türkiye. Inspired by the stories in the book, the children wrote their own original tales. Throughout the event, they had the opportunity to journey through narratives set in diverse atmospheres, from the bustling streets of Istanbul to the serene sounds of the sea.
During the workshop, the children enhanced their creativity in a fun and educational setting. At the end of the event, each participant left with a sparkle in their eyes and a new story in their hearts.
Participants also had the opportunity to meet Gamze Özdemir and have their books signed. This event provided the children with a chance to express themselves in Turkish, helping them explore their creativity.
About the Author
Gamze Özdemir was born in Ankara and is originally from Safranbolu. She graduated from Bilkent University with a degree in English, French, and Turkish Translation and Interpretation and completed her Master’s in Media and Communication in the UK. She delved into the world of children’s literature while teaching English to children. She is currently reading all the children’s books she never got to read as a child. She writes and translates picture books for children. While traveling, she enjoys reading books over a cup of milky coffee. In addition to building a collection of picture books, she continues to discover new countries and cultures, meeting different people and learning about life.
