One of the most important figures in Kurdish literature, writer Mehmed Uzun was born in Siverek in 1953. Forced to leave his country for political reasons in 1977, Uzun spent many years in exile, particularly in Sweden. There, he developed modern forms of expression in Kurdish literature and became one of the pioneers of the novel genre in the Kurdish language.

Life in exile, a turning point in literature

Mehmed Uzun saw literature as a space for existence and resistance. He expressed the history, identity, suffering, and resistance of the Kurdish people in his works, stating that “literature is the memory of peoples.”

In his novels, history, mythology, and love intertwine, while works such as “Tu, hevalê min î (You Are My Friend)” and “Pomegranate Flowers” offer a universal view of the human inner world.

The author’s major works include “Tû, Rojek ji Rojên Evdalê Zeynikê,” “Mirina Kalekî Rind,” “Nar Çiçekleri,” “Siya Evînê (Shadow of Love),” and “Yitik Bir Aşkın Gölgesinde.” With these novels, Uzun both enriched the literary language of Kurdish and carved out a place for Kurdish in the universal world of literature.

Mehmed Uzun’s legacy: In memory, in language, in the heart

Despite his years in exile, the author never broke ties with his people. While reconstructing the historical memory of the Kurdish people in his works, he left a deep mark on the liberation of language, identity, and culture.

Uzun, when he passed away on October 11, 2007, left behind not only novels but also the legacy of a cultural resistance.

Commemoration at the grave

Mehmed Uzun, one of the most important figures in Kurdish literature, who kept his people’s language and memory alive despite his years in exile, was commemorated on the 18th anniversary of his death with events held both at his grave and at a cultural center in Diyarbakır.

In the morning, his readers, friends, and fellow writers gathered at his grave in the Mardinkapı Cemetery and laid flowers in his memory.

Participants from cultural and artistic circles emphasized Mehmed Uzun’s contribution to the modern narrative of Kurdish literature and his loyalty to his people even in exile.

The commemoration at the grave was attended by Mehmed Uzun’s wife Zozan Uzun, Co-Mayor of Diyarbakır Metropolitan Municipality Doğan Hatun, Co-Mayor of Bağlar Municipality Leyla Ayaz, Director of Culture and Social Affairs at Diyarbakır Metropolitan Municipality Zeynep Yaş, as well as the writer’s family, friends, writers, political party representatives, and civil society organizations.