The 1955 novel Memed, My Hawk brought Yaşar Kemal international recognition, presenting a narrative that critiqued societal structures through a protagonist forced into banditry by oppressive landowners. Over a career spanning more than six decades, the Turkish writer transitioned from recording oral folk traditions to documenting the harsh realities and struggles of life within the Anatolian Çukurova plain.
Early Development and Adversity
Born Kemal Sadık Gökçeli in 1923 in the village of Gökçedam, the author experienced significant childhood trauma, including the loss of his right eye in an accident and witnessing his father's murder in a mosque. These events contributed to a temporary speech impediment. Influenced by local bards and the linguistic landscape of his youth, he began collecting folk ballads and elegies at sixteen, later compiling these into his first book, Ağıtlar, in 1943.
Professional Transition and Activism
Before achieving literary prominence, Kemal worked as a labourer in cotton fields and a letter-writer. His move to Istanbul launched a career in journalism, notably at the Cumhuriyet newspaper, where he adopted his pen name. His political engagement included leadership roles in the Workers Party of Turkey and the establishment of the Marxist magazine Ant. His vocal support for Kurdish rights frequently led to legal confrontations, including trials under anti-terror legislation and a suspended 20-month prison sentence in 1996 for his critiques of Turkish policy.
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Kemal's literary output, including works like Sarı Sıcak, Teneke, and Ağrıdağı Efsanesi, explored the toll of poverty and the endurance of Anatolian folklore. His influence extended into other media; Memed, My Hawk was adapted into a 1984 film, while his novel Teneke served as the basis for a theatrical run in Sweden and an opera that premiered at Teatro alla Scala in 2007. His work earned multiple accolades, including the 1982 Prix mondial Cino Del Duca and the 1997 Stig Dagerman Prize.
Personal Life and Final Years
In 1952, Kemal married Thilda Serrero, who translated seventeen of his works into English and remained his partner until her death in 2001. He later married Ayşe Semiha Baban in 2002. Following his death in Istanbul on 28 February 2015, due to multi-organ failure, he was interred at the Zincirlikuyu Cemetery. His legacy is maintained by his survivors, including his second wife and his adoptive son, the visual artist Ahmet Güneştekin.
Fast facts
- Born: 1923, Gökçedam, Turkey
- Died: 28 February 2015, Istanbul
- Notable Works: Memed, My Hawk; Sarı Sıcak; Ağrıdağı Efsanesi; Teneke
- Awards: Prix mondial Cino Del Duca (1982), Catalonia International Prize (1996)
- Spouses: Thilda Serrero (m. 1952–2001), Ayşe Semiha Baban (m. 2002–2015)
- Resting Place: Zincirlikuyu Cemetery
Questions readers ask
What was Yaşar Kemal's first published work?
His first book was Ağıtlar, a collection of folkloric ballads published in 1943.
Which international awards did he receive?
Among his many honours were the Prix mondial Cino Del Duca, the Catalonia International Prize, and the Stig Dagerman Prize.
Did he face legal consequences for his writing?
Yes, he was frequently prosecuted for his political articles, receiving a suspended 20-month sentence in 1996.
Achievements
- Notable work: Memed, My Hawk
- Notable work: Teneke
- Notable work: Sarı Sıcak
- Notable work: Ağrıdağı Efsanesi
- Worked as screenwriter, novelist and journalist
