'In Jail with Nazım Hikmet'

William ARMSTRONG - william.armstrong@hdn.com.tr

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‘In Jail with Nazım Hikmet’ by Orhan Kemal, translated by Bengisu Rona
(Saqi Books, $15, 160 pages)


When Nazım Hikmet was transferred to Bursa Prison in the winter of 1940, his reputation went before him. He wasn’t yet known by the inmates as Turkey’s greatest 20th century poet, but he was already a legend, the kind of man loved even by his enemies. On seeing him arrive with his few modest belongings, the future novelist Orhan Kemal, who was mid-way through his own five-year jail term on similar charges of communist sedition, marvels that the great man “could have a mattress, a suitcase, a basket ...

Book fair to remember Orhan Kemal

ADANA / hürriyet daily news

Orhan Kemal, a Turkish writer, will be commutated during the 7th Çukurova Book fair. The fair will organize seminars and panels to celebrate his 100th birthday anniversary. Kemal’s family and relatives want to mark 2014 as the “Year of Orhan Kemal,” due to his 100th birthday. According to a written statement from Tüm Fairs (TÜYAP), the fair will take place between Jan. 14-19 2014. TÜYAP Adana International Fair and Conference saloon will host the event and Kemal will be commemorated and remembered through different events.A symposium will be organized with the title “Kemal is 100-years-old.” The aim is to commemorate the writer in his native city, Adana. Kemal’s life in Adana will be revealed in panels and writers will talk about how he lived in Adana. There will be also an exhibition for the writer, which will continue during the fair. 

December/05/2013