The retired President of District Court Recep Ali Gürler, who is an experienced politician and a jurisit, donated his books that he had in his archive to the University of Kyrenia Library. Most of the donated books are relevant to Law.

According to the press release issued by the Directorate of Press and Public Relations Office of University of Kyrenia, Recep Ali Gürler underlined the importance of reading habit and expressed his views during the donation ceremony: “Habit of reading has a crucial role in self development and it should be encouraged. These books had a guiding role in shaping my life. I hope they will be useful and beneficial for people of Kyrenia and for students studying in the respective departments of the University” said he.

Delivering information regarding the types of the donated books, Gürler stated that some of the books were law books from his personal archive and some of them were in English that foreign students as well as book lovers would read with great pleasure.

University of Kyrenia Rector Prof. Dr. İlkay Salihoğlu, General Secretary Asst. Prof. Dr. Hürmüş Refiker and University of Kyrenia Foundation Director Mutlu Soykurt were participated in the book donation ceremony. Recep Ali Gürler’s books, his life story and his memories regarding his professional life gave a novel touch to the event.

Underlining that books were sine qua of education and lifelong learning, University of Kyrenia Rector Professor Salihoğlu extended his appreciations to Gürler and presented him a plaque. Prof. Dr. Salihoğlu stated that the augmentation of the university library with public contribution was pride for University of Kyrenia.

Who is Recep Ali Gürler?

He was born in Paphos, Cyprus on January 18, 1943. After completing his high school education in Baf Kurtuluş Lisesi, he began his undergraduate education in Ankara University Faculty of Law. Because of the Cyprus conflict in those years, he suspended his undergraduate education and went ashore Erenköy to defend his country. Then, he came to Nicosia and worked as a broadcaster at BRT (Bayrak Radio Television) for a year. Then, he went back to the university and completed his undergraduate education. After his graduation, he became a member of bar association and began to work as a lawyer in Paphos in 1972. During Turkish Peace Operation in 1974, he was captured by Greeks in Paphos. Then, with the help of a Greek Cypriot, he and his wife were taken to Turkish territory. He and his wife settled in Güzelyurt and Gürler opened an office there and began to work as a lawyer again. In 1976 elections, he was selected as a member of parliament. He continued to be a member of parliament till July 13, 1981. Between 1976 and1981, he had been the Minister of Industry and Trade, Minister of Tourism, Minister of the Interior and Settlement respectively. Besides, he carried out vice Presidency of the Assembly. After leaving politics, he was appointed as a judge. He retired as the President of District Court.