Residency for a Writer from Türkiye in Cologne

We are seeking one early-career writer from Türkiye who would thrive in a six-week literary residency in Cologne starting from October 15th, 2025. If you are interested in the literary scene of Germany, and open to exchanging ideas with peers while growing through this unique cross-cultural experience, we warmly invite you to apply.

The Seyir Quartier residency consists of three episodes. In the coming months, we will announce the next two episodes: 

Episode 2, running from December to January, will take place at Atelier Galata in Istanbul, welcoming professionals from the literary field, traveling from Cologne to Istanbul. 

Episode 3, from February to March, will be held at Quartier am Hafen in Cologne, open to early-career writers from Türkiye traveling to Cologne. 

While collaboration between the episodes is not mandatory, it is an opportunity we encourage and support.

Residency Details of Episode 1:

• Application Dates: 17th of April – 11th of May
• Residency Start Date: October 15, 2025
• Duration: 6 weeks
• Location: Quartier am Hafen in Cologne, Germany
• Selection: The early-career writer will be selected by an independent jury from Istanbul and Cologne. Knowledge of English or German is required, knowledge of German language would be a plus. 
• What to expect: Travel expenses and accommodation at Quartier am Hafen will be covered and a honorarium of 1.200€ will be provided. At the resident author’s discretion, we’ll offer opportunities such as public readings, workshops or community engagements and a trip to Frankfurt Book Fair. Collaborative projects with Cologne artists will be supported. Childcare can be arranged when needed, parents are welcome to apply.

Application Process:
Please send your application and any questions to seyirquartier@gmail.com by May 11th, 2025. The selected writer will be announced in the first week of June 2025.

Required Application Documents:

• Curriculum Vitae: Include any publications, awards, scholarships, or relevant writing experience (published or unpublished), and confirm your early-career status (e.g., within 10 years of first publication or under 40 years old).
• Cover Letter: Describe how this residency could advance your writing and any connection you have to Germany or Cologne (not more than one page). If you are interested in a Collaboration with the other Episodes of the Residency, explain shortly why.
• Current Manuscript: Up to 15 pages of a work in progress.
• Work Samples: Up to 2 excerpts from previous works, max. 10 pages each. 

About Seyir Quartier:
The Turkish word seyir captures observation in motion—a journey of discovery—while Quartier reflects Cologne’s intimate literary community as well as referring to Quartier am Hafen as the residency space. This residency bridges these worlds, offering a space for inspiration and growth.

Organized by

Supported by

In collaboration with Frankfurter Buchmesse, Landinsicht e.V., Verein zur Förderung der Städtepartnerschaft Köln – Istanbul e.V., NEOLA art projects e.V., Kulturbunker Köln-Mülheim, das “andere” Literaturcafé.