Anna (Harlow) Birge was Ralph’s older sister. She and her husband, John Kingsley Birge joined the Harlows on the mission field. Their 4 children played with Ralph’s children and in fact were all born in Smyrna. Kingsley & Anna will be forever remembered for their great love and sacrifice here in Turkey. In fact it was because of Kingsley that ACI was not closed down in 1923 but instead has carried the torch for decades. In 1988 I was hired myself from California to teach art at this very school.

Click to view John Kingsley Birge’s Books

For more informations about the many influences on the Bektaşi and Alevi teachings look at: John Kingsley Birge: Bektaşilik Tarihi, translated in Turkish in 1991.