Burhan Sonmez
@burhansonmez.bsky.social
P E N ✒️ 📚 International
Reposted by Burhan Sonmez
On Law of the Land, PEN International President Burhan Sonmez spoke with Gloria Browne-Marshall about the urgent work defending persecuted writers and how to support through our auction, ending tomorrow.
🎙️ Full interview: wbai.org/archive/prog...
📣 Make a bid: www.jumblebee.co.uk/pen-internat...
🎙️ Full interview: wbai.org/archive/prog...
📣 Make a bid: www.jumblebee.co.uk/pen-internat...
December 18, 2025 at 12:26 PM
On Law of the Land, PEN International President Burhan Sonmez spoke with Gloria Browne-Marshall about the urgent work defending persecuted writers and how to support through our auction, ending tomorrow.
🎙️ Full interview: wbai.org/archive/prog...
📣 Make a bid: www.jumblebee.co.uk/pen-internat...
🎙️ Full interview: wbai.org/archive/prog...
📣 Make a bid: www.jumblebee.co.uk/pen-internat...
Reposted by Burhan Sonmez
December 17, 2025 at 5:13 PM
Reposted by Burhan Sonmez
In support of our work protecting persecuted writers, Isabel Allende has donated a rare, signed, leather-bound edition of The House of the Spirits to PEN International’s auction.
Bid today: www.jumblebee.co.uk/pen-internat...
Bid today: www.jumblebee.co.uk/pen-internat...
December 17, 2025 at 4:45 PM
In support of our work protecting persecuted writers, Isabel Allende has donated a rare, signed, leather-bound edition of The House of the Spirits to PEN International’s auction.
Bid today: www.jumblebee.co.uk/pen-internat...
Bid today: www.jumblebee.co.uk/pen-internat...
Reposted by Burhan Sonmez
📣 NEW ITEM IN OUR LITERARY AUCTION: A one-of-a-kind menu card from 2025, featuring Olga Tokarczuk’s handwritten notes and a small, spontaneous drawing. From the year the Nobel Prize–winning writer received her Honoris Causa from the Sorbonne.
Bid before the 19th: www.jumblebee.co.uk/pen-internat...
Bid before the 19th: www.jumblebee.co.uk/pen-internat...
December 17, 2025 at 11:54 AM
📣 NEW ITEM IN OUR LITERARY AUCTION: A one-of-a-kind menu card from 2025, featuring Olga Tokarczuk’s handwritten notes and a small, spontaneous drawing. From the year the Nobel Prize–winning writer received her Honoris Causa from the Sorbonne.
Bid before the 19th: www.jumblebee.co.uk/pen-internat...
Bid before the 19th: www.jumblebee.co.uk/pen-internat...
Reposted by Burhan Sonmez
#Iran: PEN International condemns the violent and arbitrary arrest of Nobel Peace laureate Narges Mohammadi on 12 December. We are gravely concerned for her health and safety and call for her immediate and unconditional release.
Read our statement ⬇️
www.pen-international.org/news/iran-au...
Read our statement ⬇️
www.pen-international.org/news/iran-au...
Iran: authorities must release writer and Nobel Peace laureate Narges Mohammadi immediately and ensure her safety — PEN International | Promoting Literature & Defending Freedom of Expression Worldwid...
“We are deeply shocked by the news of the brutal assault and subsequent detention of prominent Iranian writer and Nobel laureate, Narges Mohammadi last week. Mohammadi has always faced persecution due...
www.pen-international.org
December 16, 2025 at 10:35 AM
#Iran: PEN International condemns the violent and arbitrary arrest of Nobel Peace laureate Narges Mohammadi on 12 December. We are gravely concerned for her health and safety and call for her immediate and unconditional release.
Read our statement ⬇️
www.pen-international.org/news/iran-au...
Read our statement ⬇️
www.pen-international.org/news/iran-au...
Reposted by Burhan Sonmez
Proud to have Sir Ian Rankin supporting PEN International through our Literary Auction. The auction ends on 19 December. You can place your bids on a Christmas gift that celebrates literature while supporting freedom of expression ⬇️
www.jumblebee.co.uk/pen-internat...
www.jumblebee.co.uk/pen-internat...
December 13, 2025 at 11:11 AM
Proud to have Sir Ian Rankin supporting PEN International through our Literary Auction. The auction ends on 19 December. You can place your bids on a Christmas gift that celebrates literature while supporting freedom of expression ⬇️
www.jumblebee.co.uk/pen-internat...
www.jumblebee.co.uk/pen-internat...
Reposted by Burhan Sonmez
Today, after a year of conditional freedom, Narges Mohammadi—an activist, writer, Nobel Peace Laureate, and PEN/Barbey #FreedomToWrite Awardee—was re-arrested by Iranian authorities. Mohammadi was attempting to speak at a memorial for murdered human rights lawyer Khosrow Alikordi.
December 12, 2025 at 10:07 PM
Today, after a year of conditional freedom, Narges Mohammadi—an activist, writer, Nobel Peace Laureate, and PEN/Barbey #FreedomToWrite Awardee—was re-arrested by Iranian authorities. Mohammadi was attempting to speak at a memorial for murdered human rights lawyer Khosrow Alikordi.
Reposted by Burhan Sonmez
Bid on rare items with the opportunity to become a character in Ali Smith’s next novel, all supporting PEN International’s work defending free expression. Explore the auction here:
www.jumblebee.co.uk/pen-internat...
www.jumblebee.co.uk/pen-internat...
December 12, 2025 at 7:40 PM
Bid on rare items with the opportunity to become a character in Ali Smith’s next novel, all supporting PEN International’s work defending free expression. Explore the auction here:
www.jumblebee.co.uk/pen-internat...
www.jumblebee.co.uk/pen-internat...
Reposted by Burhan Sonmez
After months of threats, Iranian authorities have rearrested human rights defender, writer and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Narges Mohammadi.
Mohammadi was detained by plain clothed security forces after giving a speech at a memorial service for lawyer Khosrow Alikordi:
pen.org/press-releas...
Mohammadi was detained by plain clothed security forces after giving a speech at a memorial service for lawyer Khosrow Alikordi:
pen.org/press-releas...
Nobel Laureate Narges Mohammadi arrested in Iran, alongside other human rights defenders and journalists, one year after her temporary liberation
After months of threats, Iranian authorities have re-arrested writer, journalist, and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Narges Mohammadi.
pen.org
December 12, 2025 at 8:03 PM
After months of threats, Iranian authorities have rearrested human rights defender, writer and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Narges Mohammadi.
Mohammadi was detained by plain clothed security forces after giving a speech at a memorial service for lawyer Khosrow Alikordi:
pen.org/press-releas...
Mohammadi was detained by plain clothed security forces after giving a speech at a memorial service for lawyer Khosrow Alikordi:
pen.org/press-releas...
Reposted by Burhan Sonmez
Sınır Tanımayan Gazeteciler (RSF), gazeteci Enver Aysever’in sağcı ideolojisini YouTube kanalında eleştirdikten sonra “kin ve düşmanlığa tahrik” gerekçesiyle tutuklanmasını eleştirdi. RSF, 11 Aralık’ta keyfi olarak hapsedildiğini açıkladığı Aysever’in tahliye edilmesini talep etti.
December 12, 2025 at 2:49 PM
Sınır Tanımayan Gazeteciler (RSF), gazeteci Enver Aysever’in sağcı ideolojisini YouTube kanalında eleştirdikten sonra “kin ve düşmanlığa tahrik” gerekçesiyle tutuklanmasını eleştirdi. RSF, 11 Aralık’ta keyfi olarak hapsedildiğini açıkladığı Aysever’in tahliye edilmesini talep etti.
Reposted by Burhan Sonmez
In mei 2025 hadden we Taciana Niadbaj, voorzitter van PEN Belarus te gast. Jesse van Amelsvoort maakte van de gelegenheid gebruik om met haar in gesprek te gaan over het vrije woord in Belarus. Deze tekst verscheen in Armada.
penvlaanderen.be/het-vrije-wo...
penvlaanderen.be/het-vrije-wo...
Het vrije woord in Belarus – PEN Vlaanderen
In mei 2025 hadden we Taciana Niadbaj, voorzitter van PEN Belarus te gast. Jesse van Amelsvoort maakte van de gelegenheid ...
penvlaanderen.be
December 11, 2025 at 6:49 PM
In mei 2025 hadden we Taciana Niadbaj, voorzitter van PEN Belarus te gast. Jesse van Amelsvoort maakte van de gelegenheid gebruik om met haar in gesprek te gaan over het vrije woord in Belarus. Deze tekst verscheen in Armada.
penvlaanderen.be/het-vrije-wo...
penvlaanderen.be/het-vrije-wo...
Reposted by Burhan Sonmez
“I’ve been a member of PEN International’s Writer Circle for many years… I’m delighted to help raise funds through this special auction.” Yann Martel -
We just launched our first Literary Auction, uniting incredible writers. Make your bid today! with @ianrankin1.bsky.social & @isabelallende.com
We just launched our first Literary Auction, uniting incredible writers. Make your bid today! with @ianrankin1.bsky.social & @isabelallende.com
PEN International Literary Auction
PEN International’s first global charity auction, featuring rare and exclusive collectors' items, generously donated by renowned writers and cultural figures. This event brings together an extraordina...
www.jumblebee.co.uk
December 11, 2025 at 10:20 AM
“I’ve been a member of PEN International’s Writer Circle for many years… I’m delighted to help raise funds through this special auction.” Yann Martel -
We just launched our first Literary Auction, uniting incredible writers. Make your bid today! with @ianrankin1.bsky.social & @isabelallende.com
We just launched our first Literary Auction, uniting incredible writers. Make your bid today! with @ianrankin1.bsky.social & @isabelallende.com
Reposted by Burhan Sonmez
On #HumanRightsDay, PEN International launches its first global #LiteraryAuction — featuring rare contributions from leading writers, with all proceeds supporting freedom of expression worldwide.
Explore the auction: www.pen-international.org/news/literar...
Explore the auction: www.pen-international.org/news/literar...
December 10, 2025 at 1:06 PM
On #HumanRightsDay, PEN International launches its first global #LiteraryAuction — featuring rare contributions from leading writers, with all proceeds supporting freedom of expression worldwide.
Explore the auction: www.pen-international.org/news/literar...
Explore the auction: www.pen-international.org/news/literar...
Reposted by Burhan Sonmez
This Human Rights Day, we share a new statement from the Writers for Peace Committee. Together, they reaffirm that words still matter and that peace depends on how we speak and listen.
Read the full statement: www.pen-international.org/news/human-r...
Read the full statement: www.pen-international.org/news/human-r...
PEACE IS A VERB; PEACE IS A MUST; PEACE NOW! A statement by the Writers for Peace Committee — PEN International | Promoting Literature & Defending Freedom of Expression Worldwide
A statement by the Writers for Peace Committee of PEN International for of Human Rights Day 2025 Every year on 10 December, the world marks Human Rights Day, commemorating the adoption of the Univer...
www.pen-international.org
December 10, 2025 at 10:33 AM
This Human Rights Day, we share a new statement from the Writers for Peace Committee. Together, they reaffirm that words still matter and that peace depends on how we speak and listen.
Read the full statement: www.pen-international.org/news/human-r...
Read the full statement: www.pen-international.org/news/human-r...
Reposted by Burhan Sonmez
Burhan Sönmez, Tasneem Chopra and Peg Alexander discuss what does freedom of expression mean in 2025? From hate speech and identity politics to digital censorship and protest bans.
🔗 : https://linktr.ee/bradfordlitfest
#BradfordLitFest #FreeSpeech #FreedomofExpression #digitalcensorship
🔗 : https://linktr.ee/bradfordlitfest
#BradfordLitFest #FreeSpeech #FreedomofExpression #digitalcensorship
December 10, 2025 at 8:00 AM
Burhan Sönmez, Tasneem Chopra and Peg Alexander discuss what does freedom of expression mean in 2025? From hate speech and identity politics to digital censorship and protest bans.
🔗 : https://linktr.ee/bradfordlitfest
#BradfordLitFest #FreeSpeech #FreedomofExpression #digitalcensorship
🔗 : https://linktr.ee/bradfordlitfest
#BradfordLitFest #FreeSpeech #FreedomofExpression #digitalcensorship
the typewriter ernest hemingway used in 1930’s. it is now in the city of rovereto, italy.
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daktîlo ya ku ernest hemingway di salên 1930an de bi kar anî. niha li bajarê rovereto, îtalyayê ye.
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daktîlo ya ku ernest hemingway di salên 1930an de bi kar anî. niha li bajarê rovereto, îtalyayê ye.
December 9, 2025 at 8:09 PM
the typewriter ernest hemingway used in 1930’s. it is now in the city of rovereto, italy.
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daktîlo ya ku ernest hemingway di salên 1930an de bi kar anî. niha li bajarê rovereto, îtalyayê ye.
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daktîlo ya ku ernest hemingway di salên 1930an de bi kar anî. niha li bajarê rovereto, îtalyayê ye.
Reposted by Burhan Sonmez
As the Day of the Imprisoned Writer draws to a close, we share a message of solidarity from award-winning author Maaza Mengiste to imprisoned writer Rory Branker, affirming that he is not alone and that many stand with him in the struggle for freedom.
www.pen-international.org/our-campaign...
www.pen-international.org/our-campaign...
December 9, 2025 at 10:00 AM
As the Day of the Imprisoned Writer draws to a close, we share a message of solidarity from award-winning author Maaza Mengiste to imprisoned writer Rory Branker, affirming that he is not alone and that many stand with him in the struggle for freedom.
www.pen-international.org/our-campaign...
www.pen-international.org/our-campaign...
Reposted by Burhan Sonmez
Huge congratulations to Elif Shafak, newly elected President of the Royal Society of Literature. A powerful advocate for free expression and the unifying force of storytelling. We celebrate this well-deserved recognition!. www.theguardian.com/books/2025/d...
Elif Shafak named new president of the Royal Society of Literature
The British-Turkish writer was elected after a vote among the society’s fellows, with outgoing president Bernardine Evaristo describing her selection as ‘terrifically inspired’
www.theguardian.com
December 8, 2025 at 6:02 PM
Huge congratulations to Elif Shafak, newly elected President of the Royal Society of Literature. A powerful advocate for free expression and the unifying force of storytelling. We celebrate this well-deserved recognition!. www.theguardian.com/books/2025/d...
Reposted by Burhan Sonmez
SIGN OUR PETITION: #YalqunRozi has spent 9 years behind bars in Xinjiang for celebrating the Uyghur language and heritage. On this #DayoftheImprisonedWriter, we call for his release and an end to the crackdown on Uyghur voices. Be a voice for his freedom.
Yalqun Rozi — PEN International | Promoting Literature & Defending Freedom of Expression Worldwide
GIVING TUESDAY: SUPPORT WRITERS AT RISK
www.pen-international.org
December 8, 2025 at 12:00 PM
SIGN OUR PETITION: #YalqunRozi has spent 9 years behind bars in Xinjiang for celebrating the Uyghur language and heritage. On this #DayoftheImprisonedWriter, we call for his release and an end to the crackdown on Uyghur voices. Be a voice for his freedom.
Il Sole 24 Ore -Italy
“By writing in Kurdish, I convey the sound and color of my native language."
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“Scrivendo in curdo trasmetto il suono e il colore della mia lingua madre”
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"Bi nivîsandina bi Kurdî, ez deng û rengê zimanê xwe yê dayikê vediguhezînim."
“By writing in Kurdish, I convey the sound and color of my native language."
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“Scrivendo in curdo trasmetto il suono e il colore della mia lingua madre”
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"Bi nivîsandina bi Kurdî, ez deng û rengê zimanê xwe yê dayikê vediguhezînim."
December 7, 2025 at 9:16 AM
Il Sole 24 Ore -Italy
“By writing in Kurdish, I convey the sound and color of my native language."
-
“Scrivendo in curdo trasmetto il suono e il colore della mia lingua madre”
-
"Bi nivîsandina bi Kurdî, ez deng û rengê zimanê xwe yê dayikê vediguhezînim."
“By writing in Kurdish, I convey the sound and color of my native language."
-
“Scrivendo in curdo trasmetto il suono e il colore della mia lingua madre”
-
"Bi nivîsandina bi Kurdî, ez deng û rengê zimanê xwe yê dayikê vediguhezînim."
Reposted by Burhan Sonmez
As we reach the final days of the #DayoftheImprisonedWriter, we share a message from novelist Lauren Groff to imprisoned Algerian poet #MohamedTadjadit. We invite you to join Lauren in writing your own letter.
💌 Read Lauren’s full letter:
static1.squarespace.com/static/628f9...
💌 Read Lauren’s full letter:
static1.squarespace.com/static/628f9...
December 6, 2025 at 12:09 PM
As we reach the final days of the #DayoftheImprisonedWriter, we share a message from novelist Lauren Groff to imprisoned Algerian poet #MohamedTadjadit. We invite you to join Lauren in writing your own letter.
💌 Read Lauren’s full letter:
static1.squarespace.com/static/628f9...
💌 Read Lauren’s full letter:
static1.squarespace.com/static/628f9...
Reposted by Burhan Sonmez
#India: We welcome the imminent release of academic Hany Babu following the approval of his bail application. Detained without trial for over 5 years, this ruling recognises the grave injustice he has faced.
Learn more ⬇️
www.pen-international.org/news/india-a...
Learn more ⬇️
www.pen-international.org/news/india-a...
India: Academic Hany Babu’s bail hearing to take place after five years in jail without trial — PEN International | Promoting Literature & Defending Freedom of Expression Worldwide
Update (4 December 2025) : The Bombay High Court has granted bail to Hany Babu, following his application on the basis of his prolonged detention without trial. Following the completion of formalitie...
www.pen-international.org
December 4, 2025 at 11:58 AM
#India: We welcome the imminent release of academic Hany Babu following the approval of his bail application. Detained without trial for over 5 years, this ruling recognises the grave injustice he has faced.
Learn more ⬇️
www.pen-international.org/news/india-a...
Learn more ⬇️
www.pen-international.org/news/india-a...
Reposted by Burhan Sonmez
Aslı Tohumcu, yol üstündeki erkek sürülerini, ahlâkın hımhımlarını tuhaf bir rüyayı anlatır gibi anlatıyor.
bit.ly/4iqK5aK
bit.ly/4iqK5aK
November 30, 2025 at 9:51 AM
Aslı Tohumcu, yol üstündeki erkek sürülerini, ahlâkın hımhımlarını tuhaf bir rüyayı anlatır gibi anlatıyor.
bit.ly/4iqK5aK
bit.ly/4iqK5aK
Ata Nahai’s novel Birds in a Gale has been translated from the Kurdish and published by the U.S. press Common Notions. This layered, metatextual novel reflects the political and cultural atmosphere of Kurdistan (Rojhilat).
www.commonnotions.org/birds-in-a-g...
www.commonnotions.org/birds-in-a-g...
Birds in a Gale: A Novel — Common Notions Press
A kaleidoscopic novel of politics, identity, and dislocation in the wake of the Islamic Revolution.
www.commonnotions.org
December 3, 2025 at 9:49 PM
Ata Nahai’s novel Birds in a Gale has been translated from the Kurdish and published by the U.S. press Common Notions. This layered, metatextual novel reflects the political and cultural atmosphere of Kurdistan (Rojhilat).
www.commonnotions.org/birds-in-a-g...
www.commonnotions.org/birds-in-a-g...
Reposted by Burhan Sonmez
PEN International President Burhan Sonmez speaks with Corriere della Sera about publishing his first Kurdish novel and its meaning for identity, memory, and literary freedom — also featured on Rai Radio 3’s Pagina 3 (in Italian).
Pagina 3 | Rai Radio 3 | RaiPlay Sound
Il programma radiofonico di approfondimento delle pagine culturali e dello spettacolo, che dà voce a scrittori, intellettuali e saggisti, fra le firme italiane più prestigiose, ma anche a giovani tale...
www.raiplaysound.it
December 3, 2025 at 10:31 AM
PEN International President Burhan Sonmez speaks with Corriere della Sera about publishing his first Kurdish novel and its meaning for identity, memory, and literary freedom — also featured on Rai Radio 3’s Pagina 3 (in Italian).