Residency for literature mediators from Cologne in Istanbul
The Quartier am Hafen (Cologne) and istanbulberlin invite literature mediators from Cologne to be guests as part of the “Seyir Quartier” Episode 2 residency from December 6, 2025, for approximately six weeks at the “Atelier Galata” (Istanbul) of the City of Cologne. The residency offers accommodation, travel, a grant of €1,300, event formats, and networking opportunities. Literature mediators based in Cologne can apply.
If you are interested in Istanbul’s literary scene and open to exchanging ideas with like-minded people while growing through this unique intercultural experience, we cordially invite you to apply.
Background
Seyir Quartier combines the Turkish word “seyir” (observation in motion – a journey of discovery) with the Quartier am Hafen in Cologne as a place of cultural exchange.
The Seyir Quartier Residency consists of a total of three episodes. In Episode 1, Zelal Dicle Baz, an author, was selected to come to Cologne in October. Episode 3, from February to March, will take place at Quartier am Hafen in Cologne and is once again open to emerging authors from Turkey.
Collaboration between the episodes is not mandatory, but it is encouraged and supported by us.
Who can apply for Episode 2?
Professional literature mediators such as curators, event organizers in the field of literature, or translators from Cologne who are interested in intercultural exchange and would like to travel to Istanbul for approximately six weeks from December 2025.
Period & Location
- Residency Period: December 2025 – January 2026 (approx. 6 weeks)
- Location: Atelier Galata, Istanbul
What is offered?
- Accommodation in Atelier Galata, Istanbul
- Travel expenses of €600 will be reimbursed
- A grant of €1,300
- Offers such as public events, workshops, community formats, and the opportunity to collaborate with local actors are open to you – depending on the interests and possibilities of the participants.
- Optional: Collaboration with the author Zelal Dicle Baz, who was selected for Episode 1 and will be in Cologne from October to the end of November.
Selection procedure
The selection will be made by an independent jury from Istanbul and Cologne.
Required additional language skills: English or Turkish.
Application documents
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Letter of motivation (max. 1 page)
Why is this residency beneficial for your work in literary mediation? Connections to Turkey/Istanbul? Interest in networking with other episodes: Zelal Dicle Baz, or the author who will be selected for Episode 3 – briefly explain. - Concept idea for the residency
A practical short concept of how you would like to structure your activities during the residency – e.g., planned formats, topics, impulses for intercultural exchange. - Work samples
Two exemplary documentations or concepts for previous mediation projects (max. 10 pages each).
Application & Deadlines
Announcement of the selected person: expected end of September 2025
Application deadline: September 15, 2025
Questions and application documents to seyirquartier@gmail.com
Organized by
With the support of
In collaboration with:
Frankfurt Book Fair, Landinsicht e.V., Association for the Promotion of the City Partnership Cologne – Istanbul e.V., NEOLA art projects e.V., Kulturbunker Köln-Mülheim, das “andere” Literaturcafé, Portiko Okumaları, Yapı Kredi Kültür Sanat
