Yunus Emre InstituteYunus Emre Enstitüsü – London was at the forefront of the literary world this past week, participating in two significant events that brought together a constellation of glittering stars from across Europe. The European Writers’ Festival and the book launch of “Farewell Fountain Street” by celebrated Turkish author Selçuk Altun were the highlights of the week.
The European Writers’ Festival (18-19 May 2024) at the British Library in London, curated by former BBC journalist Rosie Goldsmith, was a collaborative effort between Yunus Emre Institute, the European Union National Institutes of Culture (EUNIC), and other partners. The festival, themed “Transformation”, featured a panel discussion titled “Changing Gears” that included Selçuk Altun among other distinguished authors; Emma Dabiri (Ireland), Laurent De Sutter (Belgium), Kristiina Ehin (Estonia). The panel, moderated by Toby Lichtig from Times Literary Supplement, explored the fluidity of genre and the creative boost that comes from changing gears, proving that authors can indeed excel in multiple genres.
During the “Changing Gears” panel discussion at the European Writers’ Festival, Selçuk Altun shared a fascinating anecdote about his own experience of shifting genres. He spoke about how he once found himself in a creative rut while writing a mystery novel.
The book launch of “Farewell Fountain Street” was another feather in the cap for Yunus Emre Institute on May 20th. In collaboration with Saqi Books, they hosted an enchanting evening with Selçuk Altun, providing an intimate look into his latest literary masterpiece. The event was a perfect blend of insightful conversation, personal anecdotes, and a book signing session, making it a memorable experience for all attendees.
At the book launch of “Farewell Fountain Street”, Altun shared a fascinating story behind the title “Why Godot Wouldn’t Come”. He revealed that during the writing process, he often felt like he was waiting for a character or a plot twist to materialize, much like the characters in Samuel Beckett’s play “Waiting for Godot”. This led him to the realization that sometimes, as a writer, you have to take the initiative and create the change you’re waiting for in your narrative. This insight into his creative process left a deep impression on the audience.
The audience was treated to anecdotes from Altun’s writing journey, his creative process, and the unique messages that shape his narrative with profound literary messages embedded within its pages. The evening concluded with a book signing, where attendees had the opportunity to meet Selçuk Altun and get their copies of “Farewell Fountain Street” personally signed.
These events have highlighted the power of literature in uniting us and fostering hope. They’ve shown the importance of community, debate, and storytelling in our world. They also underscore the thriving literary culture in Europe and the role of institutions like Yunus Emre Institute in nurturing this culture. Their commitment to literature and cultural exchange contributes to the success of these significant literary events.
