Cemile Şahin, the Kurdish author and visual artist, has been nominated for the Leipzig Book Prize 2025 in the Fiction category for her latest book, Kommando Ajax. The novel, published by Aufbau Verlag, offers a bold and unconventional take on the heist genre, blending crime fiction with the deep-rooted history of a Kurdish family forced into exile. The prestigious Leipzig Book Prize, awarded annually since 2005, celebrates outstanding new German-language literary works across three categories—Fiction, Non-Fiction/Essay, and Translation. This year’s winners will be announced on 27 March during the Leipzig Book Fair, held under the theme “Worte bewegen Welten” (“Words Move Worlds”).
Kommando Ajax is an electrifying novel that reimagines one of the most infamous art heists in modern history—the 1990 theft of priceless paintings from the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston, US. In Şahin’s retelling, a Kurdish family living in exile unexpectedly finds itself in possession of these long-lost masterpieces, triggering a dangerous entanglement with gangsters, smugglers, and criminals spanning multiple continents. The novel’s protagonist, Ali Hüseyin Korkmaz, a gifted but naive painter and roofer, stumbles upon the stolen artwork during a house renovation in Istanbul and unknowingly brings them to Rotterdam in the Netherlands where his family resides.
Yet, beyond the high-stakes crime elements, Kommando Ajax is deeply personal—it tells the story of the Korkmaz family, originally from Dêrsim in North Kurdistan, whose village was burned down by the Turkish military, forcing them to seek refuge in Europe. The novel explores themes of family, exile, loyalty, and betrayal, mirroring the broader struggles of Kurdish communities against oppression and displacement. Şahin’s writing masterfully weaves together these threads, making the novel both a thrilling crime drama and a poignant family saga.
What sets Kommando Ajax apart is its cinematic storytelling. Inspired by British gangster films like Guy Ritchie’s Snatch, the novel unfolds in a script-like format, complete with casting notes, illustrations, and experimental typography. The fast-paced, fragmented narrative jumps between different time periods and perspectives, creating a dynamic reading experience that challenges traditional storytelling norms.
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Adding to its distinctive style, Şahin injects an element of satire and dark humour—characters in the art world bear the names of famous footballers such as Mark van Bommel and Thierry Henry. Yet, despite its playful undertones, the novel delivers a powerful political message: women emerge as the true heroes of the story, subtly reinforcing the feminist themes that run through much of Şahin’s work.
Born in Germany to a Kurdish family, Cemile Şahin has built a reputation for her interdisciplinary approach to storytelling. She seamlessly blends literature, visual art, and film, often drawing from historical and political themes related to Kurdistan, migration, and identity. Her previous works, including Alle Hunde sterben (All Dogs Die) and Taxi, have been widely acclaimed for their sharp political commentary and innovative narrative techniques.
Beyond her literary achievements, Şahin has been a vocal advocate for Kurdish rights and the struggle against authoritarian regimes. Her nomination for the Leipzig Book Prize underscores the increasing recognition of her unique artistic voice in contemporary German literature.
The Leipzig Book Prize, with a total prize pool of €60,000, is among the most prestigious literary awards in Germany. This year, Şahin’s ‘Kommando Ajax’ is competing against other notable works, including Kristine Bilkau’s ‘Halbinsel’, Christian Kracht’s ‘Air’, and Wolf Haas’s ‘Wackelkontakt’ in the Fiction category. Remarkably, the five nominees in this category were selected from over 500 submissions, highlighting the fierce competition and the significance of this nomination for Şahin. The winners will be announced at a special ceremony in the Glashalle of the Leipzig Trade Fair.
Medya News carried out an exclusive interview with Şahin. She had this powerful message to aspiring young Kurdish female writers:
“Write fearlessly. Our histories have often been erased or distorted, so it’s our responsibility to reclaim and document them. Don’t wait for permission—write the stories that feel urgent to you. And remember, storytelling isn’t just about reflecting reality; it’s also about imagining new possibilities and futures for our people”
Read our exclusive interview with Cemile Şahin
Medya News had the opportunity to speak with Cemile Şahin about her nomination, her creative process, and her thoughts on writing as a form of resistance.
Medya News: Cemile, congratulations on your nomination! What does this recognition mean to you?
Cemile Şahin: Thank you! It’s truly an honour to be nominated among such talented authors. The Leipzig Book Prize has a strong reputation for celebrating bold and innovative literature, so it’s incredibly rewarding to see Kommando Ajax recognised in this space. For me, it’s not just about the award—it’s about amplifying Kurdish voices in literature and ensuring that our stories are heard.
Medya News: Your novel blends crime fiction with themes of exile, resistance, and Kurdish history. Why did you choose this genre to tell such a political story?
Cemile Şahin: I believe crime fiction has a unique way of exposing hidden truths. It allows us to explore power structures, corruption, and justice in a way that feels immediate and compelling. Kommando Ajax plays with the conventions of the heist novel, but at its heart, it’s about a displaced family navigating survival and resistance. The personal is always political, especially when writing about the Kurdish experience.
Medya News: You’ve been vocal about the importance of Kurdish and women writers telling their own histories. What advice would you give to young Kurdish writers, particularly women, who want to write about these themes?
Cemile Şahin: Write fearlessly. Our histories have often been erased or distorted, so it’s our responsibility to reclaim and document them. Don’t wait for permission—write the stories that feel urgent to you. And remember, storytelling isn’t just about reflecting reality; it’s also about imagining new possibilities and futures for our people.
Medya News: Your work often experiments with form, combining literature, film, and visual art. How does this multidisciplinary approach influence your writing?
Cemile Şahin: I think stories can be told in many different ways. I’m fascinated by how different media interact with each other—how images can enhance text, how cinematic pacing can affect narrative structure. With ‘Kommando Ajax’, I wanted to push the boundaries of the novel form, creating something that feels immersive and visually engaging.
Medya News: Finally, how do you see the role of literature in the struggle for justice and freedom?
Cemile Şahin: Literature is a powerful tool of resistance. It preserves memory, challenges dominant narratives, and gives a voice to the marginalised. I see writing as an act of defiance—especially when it comes to Kurdish history, which has been systematically suppressed. Every story we tell is a form of reclaiming our existence.
A groundbreaking work in contemporary literature
As ‘Kommando Ajax’ continues to gain momentum, its nomination for the Leipzig Book Prize 2025 solidifies Şahin’s place as one of the most compelling voices in modern German literature. By intertwining a thrilling heist plot with the political struggles of the Kurdish diaspora, Şahin not only pushes the boundaries of genre fiction but also sheds light on histories often left untold in mainstream narratives.
With her fearless storytelling and innovative style, Şahin is a strong contender for the Leipzig Book Prize—and regardless of the outcome, Kommando Ajax is already making waves as one of the most exciting books of the year.
