Agora Vision will be a platform for globalizing Kurdish libraries and introducing Kurdish literature to the world
The need of a subjugated nation like the Kurds to develop, disseminate and enhance its language and culture far outweighs the needs of independent and free nations with self-determination rights.
Although literature has such a high position and significant influence, the main point is the lack of coherent Kurdish works that have been translated into English and other major languages of the world. Therefore, Agora Vision has provided a crucial section for this purpose, which is translating the works of Kurdish writers into English and introducing them to the readers around the world. This contributes to the promotion and recognition of Kurdish culture worldwide as a new contemporary way to market and introduce Kurdish history and culture through the Kurdish writer's own language. After all, culture and literature are two concepts that are interconnected and both have an active role on human structure just as our genetic material affects our behavior and appearance.
This insight underscores the necessity for a nation's culture to be conveyed through two tiers of literary compositions: those crafted in a language accessible to both young readers and subsequent generations, engaging both their visual and auditory senses. This should not remain within the framework of his country, which is doubtlessly every writer’s priority to preserve his country’s culture at first, but the next step and his aspirational vision should involve disseminating this to other communities.
The need of a subjugated nation like the Kurds to develop, disseminate and enhance its language and culture far outweighs the needs of independent and free nations with self-determination rights. Even if we go beyond the national framework, we can see the importance of mixing different opinions, colors, languages and cultures in a science - based perspective. After all, the earth is considered safe when all species are protected. So diversity is the key to our survival.
Of course, not only that, but to take the next step we need to share our imagination and thoughts, as Israeli writer and thinker Yuval Noah Harari says: since Humankind were able to share and exchange their thoughts and imaginations with each other, they managed to leave the caves and become rulers of the world. Now the core key of Agora Vision entails translating the literary creations of the Kurdish nation into prominent international languages, thereby forging a connection between their literature and the global community. With this core key, Agora Vision has the power to introduce the Kurds to the highest intellects throughout the world. Agora Vision, as a platform, has evolved into an ideal fusion, seamlessly blending Western and Kurdish works under its banner. Beyond merely appealing to readers' visual and cognitive senses, it also strives to captivate their auditory perception through its literary creations.The significance of Agora Vision's endeavor can be observed from various angles.
For instance, when you approach a Kurdish reader, they can readily offer you the names of numerous foreign writers, scholars, and personalities. Conversely, foreign readers possess limited familiarity with Kurdish writers, Kurdish culture, and their history. This discrepancy arises due to the vast number of translated foreign works compared to the relatively few Kurdish works that have been translated into foreign languages. Therefore, Agora Vision discusses the most obvious reasons and negligence in the field of translation of Kurdish works into the world's most powerful and influential languages with author and translator Sherzad Hassan.
Agora Vision: What is the importance of literature and culture in society? Sherzad Hassan: Literature and culture are so important that no nation on earth has been able to develop without translating its literary works. For example, one of the effects of literature is that it creates a critical mind. Without nurturing critical thinking, the cultivation of innovative and scientifically minded individuals, particularly for the Middle East, becomes challenging. This encompasses fostering inquisitive young minds that question and drive innovation. Agora Vision: Ask a Kurdish reader, he will tell you the names of dozens of foreign writers around the world because Western works have been translated into Kurdish. On the contrary, few Kurdish works have been translated into foreign languages. Why is this?
Sherzad Hassan: What you are saying is due to having the Ministry of Culture being responsible for translation all over the world. They must be very involved in translating their literary works into the powerful and influential languages of the world. But I have not seen the Ministry of Culture make this its main profession, only in the past, which a few people have done.
This should be the concern of those in power. However, if we talk about this negligence, we must judge ourselves after the uprising, which is not such an awareness of the importance and position of translation. There is also the lack of budget and people in the field and regrettably, even accomplished translators who contribute significant effort often find their compensation inadequate. Given the complex circumstances in Kurdistan, even when skilled translators receive their rightful payments, their concerns may shift from delivering their next piece of work to ensuring their personal safety and well-being.
Agora Vision: Considering the challenges faced by subjugated nations, including media, politics, and various channels, how extensively should the Kurds utilize literary works to share their history and culture with the world?
Sherzad Hassan: I can explain this with an example. After World War II, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill devoted the largest budget to culture. His council told him that we were devastated, but he said: “English people are known for their culture”. By revitalizing and enhancing our cultural heritage, Britain is certain to experience a resurgence. Of course, an important part of the culture remains through the literature of the country. If we investigate, we see that in many developed countries, a large budget has been allocated for education and the Ministry of Culture. Therefore, literature, culture and introduction of Kurds is one of the most important and influential tasks. For example, through our novels we can convey the history and suffering of our country. I have mentioned the partition of Kurdistan in one of my novels, Lozan, which is a novel about romance. Agora Vision: How do you see this effort of Agora Vision, along with the weaknesses in this field, which in addition to audio books, also translates Kurdish literary works?
Sherzad Hassan: I appreciate and find it commendable that such an endeavor exists. Efforts have indeed been made, primarily on an individual scale. However, many of these individuals do not consider translation as their primary profession. Rather, they seize moments in their free time to translate due to the inability to sustain themselves through the work of translation. I have a friend with a German woman who loves literature. They are interested in translating Kurdish literary pieces and are intrigued by the existence of Kurdish literary works. This could potentially be a great initiative to undertake. But they’re employees working eight hours, so there’s a huge hurdle here because there’s a difference between someone dedicating themselves exclusively to translation and someone doing it just as a hobby. As an example, I have published two novels, namely "Lozan" and "The Last Night of Jesus' Descent," with external support. My interpreter and I have mutually agreed to waive our material claims. I have voluntarily relinquished the majority of my material interests associated with the products I have contributed to. So this means the concept is under the direct purview of individuals rather than being overseen exclusively by those in authoritative positions as part of their professional responsibilities. Translating Kurdish literary works values their efforts. For example, I have contemplated the novel 'The Descent of Jesus' for 20 years, thereby amplifying the potential value of translating it into another language.
Agora Vision: Apart from the budget problem, is there any other problem that has become an obstacle to translating Kurdish literary works?
Sherzad Hassan: While other nations benefit from dedicated advisors in this area, our ministries involved in this field seem to have the fewest qualified experts to offer genuine guidance. Some of them are not qualified and talented enough to be in this position. This has a major impact on the slowdown in writing and translation. The scenario is such that I am acquainted with numerous individuals who hold significant roles based on personal connections, rather than possessing specific expertise and proficiency in the given task.
Agora Vision: What notable pieces of Kurdish literature have been translated into other languages?
Sherzad Hassan: As far as I know, they have translated Bakhtiar Ali's masterpieces, including The Last Pomegranate of the World and the City of White Musicians. In addition, a masterpiece by Kurdish poet Sherko Bekas and other poems have been translated by Kamal Mirawdali. Along with that, the works of Sheikh Reza Talabani have been translated into English by the Kashkol Center at the American University and the process of translation is in progress.
Agora Vision: Which of your own works have been translated into foreign languages?
Sherzad Hassan: "The Last Night of Isam" has been translated into German and the narrative of "Israel" is undergoing translation into English and Spanish. "My Father's Fence and Dogs" is also being translated into English. Moreover, my novel "Lozan" has been successfully translated into both English and German, with plans for upcoming translations in Greek, Armenian, and French, since they are those countries that participate in the Treaty of Lozan. Several of my stories and novels have found translation into Turkish and Persian languages, including "My Father's Fence and Dogs." While there are further works of mine that have been translated, those are the ones I have in mind.
Agora Vision: To what extent does the integration and dissemination of our literature and culture on a global scale, as embraced by Agora's dedicated pursuit, hold significance? Furthermore, how does this intentional fusion influence the trajectory of civilization in the years to come?
Sherzad Hassan: Gandhi said: I open the doors and windows to the wind of the whole world. Gandhi meant culture, whatever it was. This is the importance of culture and the blending of different literatures to the world. The world has developed because each nation has been aware of the history, culture and literature of the world in its own language.
Literature carries all the histories of the world. I got to know Russia, I got to know Ireland through literature, so literature is the best tool for shaping the future societies of humankind. Sherzad Hassan, a Kurdish writer and translator, said in his last words about the importance of literature: “Literature has played a vital role in shaping my identity today. Without it, I could have potentially veered towards extremism or involvement with groups like ISIS”.
