A User’s Manual For Prison - Silivri
Surviving Uncertainty, Capturing Resilience
A User's Manual for Prison tells the story of Yiğit Aksakoğlu’s 220 days in Silivri Prison, where many political prisoners in Turkey are held. Through insightful notes and powerful illustrations by Cans, "A User’s Manual for Prison" provides a unique perspective on life behind bars and the resilience required to endure it.
Excerpts
Interrogation!
Mr. Osman?
The Cell!
About the Book
A Story of Uncertainty and Survival
Years after the 2013 Gezi Resistance, Yiğit Aksakoğlu was arrested in 2018 without substantial evidence and spent over seven months in Silivri Prison. This book is not just about imprisonment—it is a guide for enduring the unexpected, a reflection on isolation, and an homage to those who continue to fight for justice.
Key Themes:
Life in a high-security prison
Psychological resilience and adaptation
The impact of political imprisonment in Turkey
Translated from Turkish by Peter Wilson. Published by Mahalle – 2024.
About the Authors
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Yiğit Aksakoğlu
AUTHOR
Yiğit Aksakoğlu is an activist and an NGO professional who was wrongfully detained in 2018. His work focuses on civil society, human rights, and democracy. This book is his personal account of survival in one of Turkey’s most notorious prisons.
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Cans
AUTHOR
Cans is a talented young illustrator from Turkey, whose artwork brings Aksakoğlu’s experiences to life in a deeply personal and visually compelling way.