Nazım Hikmet Remembered in Nuremberg on 63rd Death Anniversary

The world-renowned great poet of Turkish literature Nazım Hikmet Ran, was commemorated with a special program in Nuremberg, Germany, on the 63rd anniversary of his passing. The event, which included a poetry recital, a theater performance, and a music performance, brought together art lovers with the master poet's life, literary legacy, and love for humanity.

During the commemoration program held at the Dialog Association, which operates in Nuremberg, Nazım Hikmet's unforgettable poems were recited by the participants. As part of the program, a play titled “Remembering Nazım on His 63rd Anniversary,” which focused on excerpts from the poet's life, was also staged.

Nazım Hikmet’s Life Struggle on the Theater Stage

The play, which depicted Nazım Hikmet's police interrogations, court processes, and prison years, attracted great interest from the audience.

Fatma Gül Polat served as assistant director in the play written and directed by Hasan Polat. Hıdır Yılmaz, Hakan Ünlü, Cenkay Sezer, Barış Kaya, Bengisu Öztaş, and Mine Çakar took on roles in the play.

Through the stage performance, Nazım Hikmet's world of thought, struggle for freedom, and love for humanity were conveyed to the audience. It was emphasized that the master poet was not only a literary figure but also an important figure in collective memory.

“We All Find Our Own Story in Nazım Hikmet’s Verses”

Speaking at the event, the play's writer and director, Hasan Polat, stated that June is an important period for Turkish literature. Polat reminded that valuable literary figures such as Orhan Kemal and Ahmed Arif are also commemorated during this month, alongside Nazım Hikmet. He added that the program also featured poems written by Orhan Kemal and Ahmed Arif for Nazım Hikmet.

In his speech, Polat also drew attention to the fact that the Sivas Madımak Hotel, Çorum, and Maraş incidents should not be forgotten, emphasizing the importance of preserving collective memory.

Meanwhile, Ali Şahin, a member of the Dialog Association Board of Directors, touched upon Nazım Hikmet's understanding of art and his love for humanity in his speech.

Şahin stated, “Nazım Hikmet was an artist who could dream of the sky and the seas even within the concrete walls of prison. His ideas and spirit never fit behind bars. He never lost his hope, his love for his homeland, and his commitment to people.”

Şahin noted that Nazım Hikmet's poems continue to be read in many parts of the world today, saying, “The reason for this is his ability to portray humanity in its simplest and most real form. Because he carried our joys, sorrows, struggles, and hopes into his verses, we all find a piece of ourselves in his works.”

Emotional Finale with Nazım Hikmet Songs

The commemoration program concluded with a music recital featuring vocalist Devrim Seven. Seven performed works composed from Nazım Hikmet's poems, including “Mavi Liman” (Blue Harbor), “Memleket” (Homeland), and “Güzel Günler Göreceğiz” (We Will See Beautiful Days), providing participants with emotional moments.

The event held in Nuremberg once again reminded attendees of Nazım Hikmet's lasting place in the world of literature and his universal messages. It also highlighted the importance of art and culture in building bridges between societies.

Berhan Baba/Baba Agency/Nuremberg