Batman Teachers' Union Launches Poetry Contest Honoring Prominent Kurdish Poet

Contest Celebrates Kurdish Language Day and Berken Bereh's 50-Year Literary Career

By Botan Times

BATMAN, Turkey — The Batman branch of the Education and Science Workers' Union (Eğitim-Sen) has announced its second annual poetry contest in celebration of Kurdish Language Day on May 15. This year's competition will also honor the acclaimed Kurdish poet Berken Bereh, commemorating his 50-year literary career.

Born in 1954 in Şırnak, Turkey, Berken Bereh has been writing poetry in Kurdish since 1978. With six published poetry collections, Bereh is renowned for his efforts to preserve and revitalize the Kurdish language, often exploring its hidden beauties through his verses. His work first appeared in Tirej magazine before being featured in numerous other publications.

Distinguished Panel of Judges to Evaluate Submissions

The contest has assembled a jury of respected Kurdish poets, including Fatma Savcı, Yehya Omerî, Nûroj Mûnzûr, and Elîxan Loran. Applications, which opened on March 10, will be accepted until April 22.

"This contest represents our commitment to promoting Kurdish literature and honoring those who have dedicated their lives to preserving our language," said a representative from the Batman Eğitim-Sen branch.

Substantial Prizes Offered to Winning Poets

The competition offers significant monetary prizes, with 10,000 Turkish lira for first place, 7,500 for second place, and 5,000 for third place winners.

Contest Requirements and Eligibility

The contest is open to all participants, but submissions must be in Kurdish (Kurmanji dialect). Poems must be original and unpublished, having never been submitted to other competitions. The union reserves the right to publish selected entries in a future anthology.

Participants must include a brief biography, contact information, and full name when submitting their poems to batmanegitimsen.org.tr.

Bereh, who also wrote under the pen names Serwer Botî, Argeş Amedî, and Mem Bêtîr, is known for his influential poetry collections including "Êş" (Pain), "Şagirtên Evînê" (Disciples of Love), and "Dilê Min Palgeh e ji Işqê re" (My Heart is a Pillow for Love). He previously served as a columnist for Evrensel newspaper.

The poet's work has been celebrated for its linguistic richness and emotional depth, with translator Kawa Nemir noting Bereh's commitment to "finding the hidden beauties of Kurdish" in his writing.

About Berken Bereh

Berken Bereh is a bilingual poet writing in both Kurdish and Turkish. His published works include:

• "Êş" (Pain), Poetry, Sî Publishing (2001)
• "Şagirtên Evînê" (Disciples of Love), Poetry, Sî Publishing (2003)
• "Pandomîm" (Pantomime), Poetry, Belkî Publishing (2006)
• "Şîna Helbestê" (Mourning of Poetry), Poetry, Doz Publishing (2008)
• "Dilê Min Palgeh e ji Işqê re" (My Heart is a Pillow for Love), Poetry, Lîs Publishing (2010)
• "Ji Dûriyê re" (To Distance), Poetry, Lîs Publishing (2013)

In 1999, Bereh established a website called "Kulîna kulîlkan" (Sigh of Flowers), further extending his influence in Kurdish literature.