TİKA, which stands for Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency, has honored Atatürk’s personal doctor, Rıfkı Kamil Urga, by naming a library in Afghanistan after him. The library was established in the Bamyan province of Afghanistan as part of TİKA’s ongoing support for development projects in the region.
The library, which was inaugurated at the end of May on the campus of Bamyan University, covers an area of 220 square meters and is equipped with tables, chairs, bookshelves, curtains, a projector, and computers, all provided by TİKA’s Kabul Office. This new library marks the first of its kind for the university, providing a valuable resource for both academics and students.
During the opening ceremony of the library, TİKA officials, along with representatives from the Afghan interim government, expressed their gratitude to Turkey and TİKA for their contributions to the project. Nida Muhammed Nedim, the Deputy Minister of Higher Education in Afghanistan, commended TİKA for their continuous support to the Afghan people and expressed his wishes for ongoing collaboration.
Fazıl Akın Erdoğan, the Coordinator of TİKA’s Kabul Office, highlighted the significance of the library in providing educational opportunities to thousands of students who previously did not have access to such resources. He emphasized the importance of literacy and education in Bamyan, a city known for its rich cultural heritage and the aspirations of its youth to pursue higher education.
Dr. Rıfkı Kamil Urga, who spent 17 years of his life serving in Afghanistan and played a crucial role in the establishment of the country’s first medical school, was remembered through the naming of the library in his honor. His dedication to the people of Afghanistan and his contributions to the field of healthcare were acknowledged during the ceremony, underscoring the lasting impact of his work in the region.
Asif Ekberi, a fourth-year Tourism student at Bamyan University, expressed his appreciation for the new library, highlighting the challenges faced by students in the past due to the lack of such facilities on campus. He emphasized the importance of the library in providing students with a conducive environment for studying and accessing a wide range of resources.
In conclusion, the establishment of the Rıfkı Kamil Urga Library in Bamyan University serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of individuals who have dedicated their lives to serving others. Through initiatives like this, TİKA continues to support education and development efforts in Afghanistan, contributing to the empowerment of communities and the enrichment of educational opportunities for future generations.