(Minghui.org) Turkish Falun Dafa practitioners took part in the CNR Book Fair in the port city of Mersin at the end of November. The practitioners hosted a booth, where they provided information about Falun Dafa, demonstrated the exercises, and introduced Falun Dafa publications, especially the practice's principal book, Zhuan Falun. Attendees showed great interest in Falun Dafa throughout the fair. 

The CNR Mersin Book Fair, one of the most important cultural events in the Mersin metropolitan area, showcases books from more than 100 publishers and over 300 brands, reaching an audience of over 150,000 visitors over the 9 days of the fair.

Many writers, artists, and journalists held interviews and book signings. Most of the artists and writers received Falun Dafa brochures and had the opportunity to talk with practitioners about the traditional mind-body cultivation practice from China.

Mersin Metropolitan Mayor Vahap Seçer and Mezitli Region Mayor Neşet Tarhan

On the first day, Mersin Metropolitan Mayor Vahap Seçer and Mezitli Region Mayor Neşet Tarhan stopped by the Falun Dafa booth. Already familiar with Falun Dafa from previous civic events, they talked with the practitioners and expressed appreciation for their presence at the book fair.

Practitioners demonstrate the Falun Dafa exercises during the CNR Mersin Book Fair in November 2019.

Neslihan, who came to visit the fair, was very excited when she saw the Falun Dafa booth. She said that she had practiced Falun Dafa for a while about 15 years ago and had bought a copy of  Zhuan Falun. She said she'd liked it very much at the time but eventually stopped practicing. She asked practitioners for information about local exercise sites and spent quite a bit of time at the practitioners' booth.

Doctor Harun Bey

Mr. Harun Bey had encountered Falun Dafa at previous events and had purchased the book  Zhuan Falun. He said, “Truthfulness, Compassion and Forbearance are something that all people must obey. I know that this practice is good and useful.”

Well-known author Ahmet Ümit

Author Ahmet Ümit was briefly introduced to Falun Dafa, received a brochure, and was presented with the book  Zhuan Falun. The famous writer was very interested in the practice and remarked, “Those who do this exercise by improving their bodies and by reading this book (Zhuan Falun) are improving their minds and souls.” 

Actor İlyas Salman held a book signing event at the fair. Practitioners gave him a brochure and briefly introduced Falun Dafa.

Nurse Tülay was very pleased to take a brochure and said that the mind-body practice was something she had wanted to do.

Historian Muazzez Ilmiye Cig said she had heard about Falun Dafa before and was interested in the practice. She said, “Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance is great. I will surely look at this.” Smiling, she thanked the practitioner for sharing information about Dafa with her.

Ersan Gökçen

Ersan Gökçen said that he was interested in mind-body practices and knew that Falun Dafa was a good practice as he'd heard about it from a friend. A practitioner had once given him a copy of  Zhuan Falun, and he'd read the book and other works on the falundafa.org website. He also said that he did the exercises at home.

Mikail Eren, branch manager and author of the Mersin Provincial National Education Directorate, bought a Falun Dafa book and said he planned to take up the practice.

Journalist Mustafa Balbay shows his support by holding up a copy of Zhuan Falun.

Chinese version available