rockin' with the Goethe Medal: Honoring cultural crusaders under fire
Goethe Medal goes global for Turkey's Osman Kavala and more
Awarded Goethe Medal to Jailed Advocate of Turkish Culture - Awards presented to detained Turkish proponents of culture
Against the backdrop of a hostile and oppressive world where democratic values are under assault, the Goethe-Institute in Berlin continues to honor those who push back against the darkness. The 2022 class of Goethe Medal recipients includes Osman Kavala, languishing in a Turkish jail since 2017, and two other cultural luminaries: Chinese sinologist Li Yuan and Belgian author David Van Reybrouck. The awards will be presented on August 28 in Weimar.
Gesche Joost, President of the Goethe-Institute, stated, "We're living in a world that's gone mean, throwing punches at our freedoms and values. Now more than ever, we need voices that speak up and work hard to bridge divides and shift the tide." Thomas Oberender, commission chair, labeled the awardees as "quiet revolutionaries" — missionaries of peace and dialogue, standing firm against injustice in the face of adversity.
Breakin' down the GOs with Osman Kavala
On a human rights mission since 2002, 67-year-old Osman Kavala, founder of Istanbul's Anadolu Kultur, seeks to strengthen individual liberty and promote art and culture in Turkey. Kavala now finds himself on the wrong side of an unforgiving Turkish government, serving a life sentence, condemned in a controversial trial that drew international condemnation for his alleged involvement in the hotly debated Gezi protests. Regardless of the high-stakes game, Kavala's ceaseless advocacy for social justice and peace continues to make waves in a troubled region.
Li Yuan - Deutschland uber alles in China
The Goethe-Institute recognized Li Yuan's commitment to elevating the German language in China. Yuan, a distinguished Germanist, has significantly influenced and transformed German language education at Chinese schools and universities. Her efforts demonstrate a firm belief in the power of linguistic exchange and the importance it plays in fostering cultural understanding.
The Storyteller - David Van Reybrouck
David Van Reybrouck adds his voice to the chorus of the marginalized, shining a light on often-overlooked perspectives in Western-dominated historical narratives. Beloved for his works on South Africa, the Congo, or Indonesia, Van Reybrouck champion's oral history in his writing, traveling far and wide to hear the stories of those left out of the history books. His writings are invaluable contributions to our political discourse today.
Awarded on Goethe's birthday
First presented in 1954, the Goethe Medal marks its 70th anniversary this year – a fitting tribute to the literary legend who penned the likes of "Faust" and "The Sorrows of Young Werther." The date, August 28, honors the birthdate of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, a man who often looked beyond the status quo to empathize with his fellow beings and drive progress. The medal, given out by a jury of prominent cultural figures, continues that legacy today, recognizing exceptional individuals who champion the cause of cultural understanding and exchange. This year, the ceremony will take place in Weimar, where attendees can reflect on the importance of these ideals and pay tribute to the enduring power of art.
Remember these names: Osman Kavala, Li Yuan, and David Van Reybrouck, champions for peace, champions of culture, and champions of the underdog – soldiers in the fight for humanity's collective advancement against the rising tide of darkness. Join us on August 28 as we celebrate their achievements and their unwavering spirits in Weimar. Let us remember the words of Goethe: "Whatever you do in life, surround yourself with intelligent, thoughtful people and engagethem in conversation. It will be the greatest education you ever receive."
- The Goethe Medal, established in 1954 to honor exceptional individuals, will be presented this year on August 28, commemorating the birthday of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe.
- Osman Kavala, a 67-year-old cultural crusader from Turkey and founder of Istanbul’s Anadolu Kultur, was chosen as one of the 2022 Goethe Medal recipients, despite facing a life sentence in a Turkish prison.
- Li Yuan, a Chinese sinologist, was recognized for her commitment to promoting the German language and fostering cultural understanding, with a significant impact on German education in China.
- David Van Reybrouck, a beloved Belgian author, was awarded for his contributions to political discourse, particularly through his works on overlooked perspectives in Western-dominated historical narratives.
- At a time when democratic values and individual freedoms are under attack, the Goethe-Institute in Berlin continues to honor those who work tirelessly to promote peace and bridge divides, associating these awardees as "quiet revolutionaries."
