“Censoring books is not just silencing authors, it is an attempt to suppress society’s ability to question, and to reflect. Authoritarian governments fear the transformative power of words—words that challenge injustice, expose truths, and inspire change. At PEN International, we continue defending the right to write, to read, publish and imagine alternative futures. We believe […]
“At this 91st Congress we affirmed that freedom of expression cannot be atomized —whether in defending peace against authoritarianism, protecting our planet, standing with trans and gender-diverse people, or confronting censorship in the United States and beyond. With these resolutions, PEN International and its writers commit to continue using words as acts of conscience, to […]
On September 5–6, 2025, the Kurdish PEN Centre held its twelfth congress at the Yazidi House in Oldenburg, Germany, under the slogan “The National Umbrella.” The gathering brought together more than 120 members and guests, marking an important milestone in the Centre’s evolution. What began as a local initiative has now taken a decisive step […]
Dear Ladies and Gentlemen, Honored Guests, Dear Friends, On behalf of the Preparatory Committee of the 12th Annual Congress of the Kurdish PEN Centre, it is my great pleasure to welcome you most warmly and to thank you for joining us today. Before we continue in Kurdish, allow me to briefly share with you—in German—some […]
by Miran Abraham Published by Shanidar in collaboration with Kurdistan Chronicle, this series presents a profound and compelling exploration of the suffering and resilience of the Kurdish people. It sheds light on the relentless persecution they have endured for decades, transcending borders and political regimes. Each book serves as a powerful testament to their unwavering […]
The tapestry of Kurdish history and culture is as intricate as it is ancient, a rich and vibrant narrative that spans millennia yet remains overshadowed in global academia. Despite their profound influence on the cultural and political landscapes of the Middle East, the Kurds and their heritage are conspicuously underrepresented in scholarly discourse. This glaring […]
The Kurdish PEN Center condemns the six years and three months prison sentence imposed by the Turkish regime and its politically active courts on Mr. Eyyüp Subaşı, a Kurdish language teacher, and calls for the immediate annulment of this ruling. The right to education and living in one’s mother tongue is one of the most […]
By Bêrîvan Doskî Kurdish PEN (Navenda PEN a Kurd) is one of over 140 Centres that are members of PEN International – an important and diverse community of writers all over the world. It was vital for the global human heritage of cultures and literatures to include Kurdish literature, language and culture, which have faced […]
Zhina (Mahsa) Amini was a 22-year-old Kurdish woman from Saqqez, in Kurdistan (Iran). Her death in custody, following her arrest by Iran’s so-called “morality police,” sparked mass and ongoing protests throughout Iran and Kurdistan. Zhina was arrested in Tehran on September 13 for allegedly not complying with the country’s dress code for women. According to […]
A verdict in the case of writer and Kurdish PEN member Meral Şimşek has been postponed to 16 September. The prosecution requested her conviction. She faces between two and five years in prison. The PEN Community continues to stand with Şimşek and calls for all charges against her to be dropped. Update #1 to RAN […]
