Triangle Book Arts (TBA) Visits Sancar Turkish Cultural and Community Center Library - Contributed by Rob Larson On April 25, 2026, members of Triangle Book Arts gathered in the Great Hall of the Sancar Turkish Cultural and Community Center (STCCC) in Chapel Hill, NC.

After enjoying traditional Turkish tea and baklava, we toured the Center’s Library. We were told about its impressive wooden door, handmade in Türkiye. Its many panels of contrasting wood were connected using traditional joinery and no glue. Upon entering we observed colorful flags hanging from the ceiling, each representing one of the Turkic countries. One wall of the library was entirely glass, giving an open, inviting feeling. There were, of course, many books in the library, but two oversized books were particularly notable. The first was the Book of Weddings which described wedding rituals and was beautifully illustrated with Persian-style paintings. The second was a biography of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the first president and “father” of modern Türkiye. I was interested to learn that “Atatürk” literally means “father of the Turks.” This volume was housed in an attractive case also holding a rolled facsimile of the newspaper announcing his death in 1938. As we left, each of us was presented with a gift bag, thoughtfully filled with printed mementos of the Center. Thank you to our hosts and guides, Jordan Scepanski, Lea Scepanski, Fevzi Yalın, Emin Pamucak, Bobby Yousefi, Refika Yousefi, Selin Özer, and several student helpers. The welcome was as warm and embracing as the tea. We enjoyed learning about the Center’s dual purposes, to make Turkish students feel at home in the Triangle and to share Turkish culture with the public. My wife, Elizabeth, and I will be returning soon to the STCCC to enjoy some scheduled talks and maybe even take a cooking class. For more information on the STCCC, the Aziz and Gwen Sancar Foundation, and upcoming events please visit https://sancar.org/ #Sancarturkishcenter