Zülfü Livaneli: Songs of Resistance and Hope

Turkish composer, writer, and filmmaker Zülfü Livaneli is regarded in Turkey as one of the most influential authors and intellectuals of his time. He will discuss his work spanning music, literature, and film in conversation with Petr Vizina.

Livaneli ranks among the most widely read contemporary Turkish authors - his novels have been translated into dozens of languages. His work weaves the fates of characters with the political and historical turning points of modern Turkey. His works "Happiness" (2008) and "Serenade" (2013) have been published in Czech. For his literary work he has received, among other awards, the Orhan Kemal Novel Prize and the Balkan Literary Award.

As a songwriter, he has written over two hundred songs, many of which have become folk standards. His compositions have been performed by Joan Baez, Maria Farantouri, and Udo Lindenberg. His songs express solidarity with people affected by political upheavals in Turkey - Livaneli was imprisoned in the 1970s for his views and spent part of his life in exile. He has long been committed to defending human rights, secular democracy, and criticizing authoritarianism.

The programme lasts 60 minutes and is conducted in English with interpretation into Czech.