İlkyaz – amplifying the voice of young writers in Turkey
09 May 2019
İlkyaz is a monthly, literary platform, which features works from writers in Turkey who are under the age of 35 and whose voices are rarely heard. The publication aims to amplify the voice and reach of such writers by showcasing on a monthly basis three selected writers’ poetry or prose.
Since launching in December 2018, İlkyaz – which means early Spring – has partnered with a different PEN Centre every month to ensure that the profiled works of the three selected writers, is distributed as widely as possible both in Turkey and beyond.
“This to us is a perfect way to non-politically engage with the ensuing crackdown on free expression in Turkey whilst also helping support its future writers and thus members of PEN, acquainting and inducting them to the rest of the network and audiences,” explains Ege Dündar, Turkey advisor to PEN International and founder of İlkyaz.
İlkyaz has worked with Norwegian PEN, German PEN and PEN Flanders.
PEN South Africa is proud and humbled to partner with and support the worthy cause of İlkyaz this month.
The following are the three writers featured:
A biography for each, along with their featured writing, is provided in separate articles on the PEN SA website.
Dündar encourages readers to reach out to the writers, should they feel moved to do so.
Alternatively, if one of the pieces published here or previously on İlkyaz sparks a creative response, you may apply for an opportunity to collaborate with the writer of your choice.
“Anything from short films to animations, music to paintings are welcome. We will introduce the artist to the young writer in Turkey online. The collaboration will then feature on our website and at events across Turkey,” says Dündar. The collaborators will also receive £50 each.
Visit the İlkyaz website to see the work of previously featured writers.