Berlin is set to host the Kurdish Literature Festival titled “Do You Hear My Voice?” from 29 May to 2 June. This year’s theme is “Kurdish Literature in Exile”.
The festival, organised by the renowned Kurdish-German writer Beliban zu Stolberg and Kurdish academic Dawid Yeşilmen, will be held at the Literaturhaus Berlin. The event is supported by Hauptstadt Kulturfonds and Autorenstiftung.
Germany, home to an estimated 1.5 million Kurds, is a significant centre for Kurdish literature and arts. Due to systemic oppression and language bans in many parts of Kurdistan, many Kurdish artists and authors are forced to produce their works in exile. These artists from different parts of Kurdistan contribute significantly to literature, art and culture in Germany.
As one of the official cultural organisations of the Berlin Senate, the Literaturhaus Berlin emphasised the importance of the event. “It is noteworthy to talk about Kurdish literature and exile,” the Literaturhaus stated in the festival announcement, highlighting the richness of Kurdish art in expression and form, and the festival’s goal to emphasise this.
Numerous authors are expected to participate as speakers in the five-day program. Kurdish writer Burhan Sönmez, president of the International PEN Club, Kurdish-German writer and journalist Düzen Tekkal and Fatma Aydemir, known for her novels Ellbogen and Dschinns, will read and discuss literature in exile.
In addition to literary discussions, the festival will feature performances by artist-Dengbej Ali Tekbaş, rapper EBOW, and DJ AZIEZ. Various activities for children will also be organised throughout the festival.
