All Stories by Sabahattin Ali Published in Kurdish

Azad Publishing has released the stories of Turkish writer Sabahattin Ali in Kurdish. Translated by Pêşeng Petoyan, these works have been published as two volumes titled “All Stories-I” and “All Stories-II.”

Classic Works of Turkish Literature Reach Kurdish Readers

Azad Publishing, which primarily publishes books on Kurdish history and culture, has this time translated the works of Sabahattin Ali, which have had a significant impact on Turkish literature, into Kurdish.

These five books, published between 1935 and 1947, contain a total of 60 short stories and 4 tales. The original titles of the books – “Değirmen” (1935), “Kağnı” (1936), “Ses” (1937), “Yeni Dünya” (1943), and “Sırça Köşk” (1947) – have been translated into Kurdish as “Aş” (Mill), “Erebeya Ga” (Ox Cart), “Deng” (Voice), “Dinyaya Nû” (New World), and “Koşka Şûşe” (Glass Mansion).

Publisher Emphasizes Importance of World Literature in Translation

Eslixan Yildirim, Director of Azad Publishing, explained the purpose of this project in the preface to these books: “One of our main objectives is the preservation and development of the Kurdish language.”

Yildirim said that when she saw the translation file of Sabahattin Ali’s stories, she made the decision to publish “without hesitation.” She also noted that both Ali’s “subject matter and narrative style” and Petoyan’s “beautiful translation” influenced this decision.

According to Yildirim, these works “will draw readers into deep and interesting thoughts” because they are “flowing and full of important themes.”

From Poetry to Storytelling

Sabahattin Ali was born in 1907 in Egridere (now Ardino) in Edirne. He began writing during his student years and later became known for his short stories.

In his stories, Ali focused primarily on the voices and lives of the “poor and oppressed.” He artfully presented social problems and injustices through his narratives.

His criticisms of the authorities often led to accusations and imprisonment. Eventually, when he attempted to flee Turkey for Europe in 1948, he was killed on the journey.

Now, seventy years after his death, Ali’s stories have reached Kurdish readers through translation.