Diyarbakır Comparative Literature Days was held in cooperation with Diyarbakır EU Information Center, Diyarbakır Arts Center, and Lîs Editions May 25-June 2, 2013. The event focused on related topics, themes, and works in different languages and literature from the perspective of international guests and writers. The program was designed to address language and literature as the significant components of cultural heritage and communication in a multilayered manner, with presentations focused on Turkish and Kurdish languages along with European languages. As the program started out intending to foster the existing cultural dialogue that developed over language and literature between Turkey, Europe, and neighboring countries in the region, it addressed Diyarbakır’s unique location between the East and the West, its multilingual and multicultural structure, and its profound relationship with literature. Consecutive interpretation was provided in all the presentations which were held in Turkish, Kurdish, Zazaki, English, and German. In conjunction with the program, the event, which addressed the life and poetry of Fürug Ferruhzad from a multidimensional and interlingual perspective, was also held in Batman at the Batman Municipality Conference Hall in collaboration with Batman Culture and Arts Association (BART) following the Diyarbakır event.

Diyarbakır Comparative Literature Days kicked off in Diyarbakır with the opening session May 25, 2013, and lasted for two weeks, with weekday events held in different places around the city, such as Diyarbakır Eğitim-Sen, Diyarbakır Chamber of Architects, Diyarbakır Evi, and Diyarbakır Arts Center. The program came to an end June 2, 2013 at Surp Giragos Armenian Church with an event titled ‘The Re-Creation of Source Texts’ with Murathan Mungan as the keynote speaker, which attracted significant interest from the audience.

Diyarbakir Comparative Literature Days 2013 Program Booklet