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Lower Saxony Literature Prize awarded to Zaimoglu - Lower Saxony State Literature Prize awarded to author Zaimoglu
Turkish-German Author Feridun Zaimoglu Wins Lower Saxony Literature Prize
Feridun Zaimoglu, a renowned Turkish-German writer, has been honored with the Lower Saxony Walter-Kempowski Prize for biographical literature. The award, worth €20,000, recognizes Zaimoglu's powerful narrative style that has significantly contributed to contemporary literature.
Zaimoglu's debut, "Kanak Sprak," is considered a cornerstone of German literature. His latest novel, "Sohn ohne Vater," narrates a writer's journey to Turkey for his father's funeral.
Born in Bolu, Turkey, Zaimoglu now resides in Kiel, Schleswig-Holstein. On receiving the award, the 60-year-old author expressed his delight, stating that his literary foundation stems from personal experiences and those of others. He also noted parallels with Kempowski, a noted author whose work he greatly admires.
A reading tour through Lower Saxony's literature houses is planned in conjunction with the award.
The Walter-Kempowski Prize is awarded every two years, alternating with the Nicolas-Born Prize. The ceremony, scheduled for September 30 in Hannover, will be accompanied by a reading tour through Lower Saxony's literary institutes.
Lower Saxony's Minister of Culture, Falko Mohrs (SPD), praised Zaimoglu for his literary works that often highlight marginalized groups and provide a voice to those who are often overlooked. His writing, Mohrs added, broadens our perspectives and integrates diverse experiences into our shared history.
Walter Kempowski, the prize's namesake, was a German writer who passed away in 2007 at the age of 78. Kempowski's work combined personal history with historical events, and he was instrumental in creating a meeting place for young authors and serving as a lecturer at the University of Oldenburg.
In line with his literary works that often focus on marginalized groups, Feridun Zaimoglu has chosen to donate a portion of the Lower Saxony Walter-Kempowski Prize money to establish a scholarship for emerging authors, thus fostering the next generation of storytellers.
As part of the award's public engagement initiative, Zaimoglu plans to use a section of the prize money to purchase books from local bookstores in Lower Saxony, which will then be donated to the region's libraries and community centers for everyone's enjoyment, bridging entertainment and education for the community.
