As the nation witnesses fierce debates on the alleged attempts to curb freedom of speech and expression, there is much that could be imbibed from the life of Turkish poet and writer Ataol Behramoğlu.
Regarded as one of the pioneers of political cabaret in Turkey, Mr. Behramoğlu has always stood firm against all odds to express his views on the evils that faced society. The imprisonment following the Turkish military coup of 1980 and the confiscation of his work had only strengthened his resolve to raise his voice against the oppressive forces that sought to muffle dissent.
Greatest gift
“Political struggles are a norm in Turkey with literary workers, especially the socialists, being at the receiving end. Despite all pains we have faced, poets and writers represent humanity and are expected to speak with honesty. People have begun to look up to us in my country. They admire writers. I believe the acceptance of our efforts by the society is the greatest gift we could get and is incomparable to any other recognition,” he says, during a brief interview with The Hindu on the sidelines of the ongoing Kritya International Poetry Festival.
Considered a maestro in blending political satires with folklore, Mr. Behramoğlu feels politics will always remain an inherent part of poetry.
Inseparable
“You cannot separate different components of life from each other; each aspect is influenced by the other. In fact, politicians have much to learn from poets, who base their works on the deep understanding of life and society,” he said.
He laments that the twin evils of xenophobia and racism — the theme of the poetry festival — prevailed all over the world.
“People forget that they are the same. It is important that we retain the element of compassion towards other human beings. It is also necessary to come together to share diverse views and experiences,” Mr. Behramoğlu concluded.
