Turkish literature in Germany: Documents surpassing the Bosphorus strait
In the world of literature, a diverse array of authors from Turkey have been making waves, particularly those who delve into the intricate tapestry of Turkish-German relationships and experiences. Here are some of the notable contemporary authors whose works have been translated into English, shedding light on this unique cultural narrative.
Ferit Edgü's book The Wounded Age and Eastern Tales, recently released in English by the New York Book Review, marks his first major appearance in the language. Aron Aji, the translator, brings to life Edgü's powerful narratives, including the opening novella that confronts readers with the ethnic-nationalist violence committed in eastern Turkey's mountainous regions.
Another author whose work is eagerly anticipated is Tezer Özlü, whose feminist novel Cold Nights of Childhood is scheduled for release in 2023. This novel explores themes of sexism and desire, promising to be a thought-provoking read.
Orhan Pamuk, a Nobel Prize winner, is often associated with Turkish literature in Anglophone readers, but his focus is primarily on Istanbul and vague liberalism. However, his works offer valuable insights into the city's rich history and culture.
Berlin's own V&Q Books is about to publish the third and final installment in Selim Özdoğan's border-crossing Anatolian Blues trilogy, titled A Light Still Burns. Özdoğan's novels are standalone literary achievements and offer valuable insights into the complex Turkish-German story of the 20th century. Cologne-born Özdoğan's novels are indispensable sources of insight into this unique narrative.
A translation of Fatma Aydemir's second novel, Dschinns, is forthcoming. Dschinns (originally Tschick in German) has garnered critical acclaim in English translation, dealing explicitly with themes of identity, migration, and the Turkish-German diaspora experience, exploring the lives of second-generation Turkish immigrants in Germany.
Elif Shafak, a novelist, has generated a global following and controversy by exploring topics like sex work, patriarchy, and the Armenian genocide. Her works provide a profound exploration of contemporary Turkish society and its challenges.
Readers of German can check out Emine Sevgi Özdamar's recent autobiographical novel. Özdamar was awarded Germany's Büchner Prize last year.
Two German novels by Turkish-German authors published by Verbrecher Verlag are worth reading: Aras Ören's epic poetry sequence Berliner Trilogie and Dilek Güngör's intergenerational novel Vater und Ich.
While other contemporary Turkish authors have been translated into English, targeted works on Turkish-German relationships are less abundant, making Aydemir’s Djinns especially notable in this particular literary and cultural context. Additional translations of Turkish literature and diaspora writings continue to grow, partially noted through resources on literary translation, though specific Turkish-German thematic translations beyond Aydemir are not explicitly detailed in the results.
Approximately 200,000 people with Turkish heritage reside in Berlin, making a significant impact on the city's culture. In these times, it's crucial to support and celebrate the voices that represent and enrich this diverse community.
In other news, a devastating earthquake struck parts of southern Türkiye and northern Syria on Monday February 6th. Information on how to donate to victims of the tragedy can be found here. Your support can make a difference.
- Among the home-and-garden books, one can find insightful reads about the lives of Turkish immigrants in Germany, such as Fatma Aydemir's Dschinns.
- In the realm of entertainment, the television series 'Turkish-German Stories' provides a fascinating exploration of the relationships and experiences shared by individuals of Turkish and German descent, offering valuable perspectives on lifestyle and culture.
