In Istanbul, an Arabic Bookstore Anchors Syrian Refugees

A rustic, three story-Arabic bookstore in old Istanbul has become an anchor for many Syrians who have stayed put in Turkey but crave a taste of home.

Customers are seen Pages, a rustic three story-Arabic language bookshop in Istanbul, Turkey, on April 1, 2016. The bookstore has become an anchor for many Syrians who have stayed put in Turkey but crave a taste of home. The founder and owner of Pages, Samer al-Kadri, a refugee himself, says the store strives to be a bridge between Syrians, Turks and the myriad of foreigners who visit the city. Its weekly program includes oriental music concerts and, starting soon, language exchanges in Arabic, English and Turkish. Books are available in all three languages. AP Photo/Bram Janssen

Istanbul—A rustic, three story-Arabic bookstore in old Istanbul has become an anchor for many Syrians who have stayed put in Turkey but crave a taste of home.

The founder and owner of Pages, Samer al-Kadri, a refugee himself, says the store strives to be a bridge between Syrians, Turks and the myriad of foreigners who visit the city.

Its weekly program includes music concerts and, starting soon, language exchanges in Arabic, English and Turkish. Books are available in all three languages. Al-Kadri is acutely aware that the language barrier “has made it difficult for Syrians to really integrate into society.”

Syrian refugee Samer Al-Kadri, founder and owner of Pages, a rustic three story-Arabic language bookshop, removes a book at his store in Istanbul, Turkey, on April 1, 2016. AP Photo/Bram Janssen