The Prophet (S.A.W) said, “There is a gate in paradise called Ar-Raiyan, and those who observe fasts will enter through it on the Day....
BITS ‘N’ PIECES
Narrated by Sahl (R.A)
The Prophet (S.A.W) said, “There is a gate in paradise called Ar-Raiyan, and those who observe fasts will enter through it on the Day of Resurrection and none except them will enter through it. It will be said, ‘Where are those who used to observe fasts?’ They will get up, and none except them will enter through it. After their entry the gate will be closed and nobody will enter through it.”
Sahih Bukhari, Volume 3, Book 31, Number 120
A library in Ankara, Turkey, is filled with discarded books trash collectors rescued from landfills.
In Ankara, Turkey, there is a remarkable library built entirely from discarded books rescued by local garbage collectors. Established in 2017 in the Çankaya district, this unique initiative began when sanitation workers, disturbed by the number of perfectly good books being thrown away, started collecting them during their daily routes. Initially, the books were shared among coworkers and their families. However, as the collection grew, the idea of creating a public library emerged.
The local municipality supported the project, providing an abandoned brick factory as the library’s location. With dedicated effort, the factory was transformed into a vibrant community space. Today, Çankaya Garbage Collectors Library’s collection consists of over 30,000 titles. It has a section of children’s books, scientific literature and books in English, French and German. The library is an example of a circular economy in action. Not only were the books destined to be thrown away, the artwork that decorates walls was also rescued from the trash. The library’s interior reflects its sustainable roots - furniture is crafted from recycled materials, and shelves are made from reused wood, emphasizing the project’s eco-friendly mission.
Aside from the library, visitors can also play chess there or grab a cup of tea in a lounge and the university students come to read books as a group. It has become a community hub where people gather to read, study, and attend cultural events. Schools organize field trips to teach students about recycling and environmental awareness, using the library as a living example of how discarded materials can be repurposed meaningfully.
The sanitation worker’s initiative is still developing. Their vast book collection is now regularly donated to schools, educational programs and prisons in other districts of the capital. Additionally, the municipality has converted one of their garbage trucks into a mobile library with more than 2000 books. The creativity of these sanitation workers and their willingness to work together has found another outlet in the orchestra they established, in which, unsurprisingly, they play instruments made from up-cycled objects found in the trash.
The initiative has received widespread acclaim, inspiring similar projects in other parts of Turkey and around the world. What makes this library extraordinary is the sense of community and environmental consciousness it fosters. It not only provides free access to literature but also highlights the importance of reducing waste and rethinking what is considered disposable. By transforming what was once landfill-bound into a source of knowledge and joy, the library stands as a powerful symbol of sustainability and social responsibility.
