The literature section launched in October 2025 with its cooperation partner ISTANBULBERLIN and the jointly developed program “Seyir Quartier”, a residency for authors from Istanbul and literary mediators from Cologne.
SEYIR QUARTIER
The Turkish word “seyir” stands for observation in motion – a journey of discovery – while Quartier reflects the intimate literary community of Cologne and the residency location, Quartier am Hafen. This residency connects both worlds and offers space for inspiration and growth.
FELLOWS
In each season, a total of three fellows will be selected by a three-member independent jury. Two authors from Istanbul and one literary mediator from Cologne will get to know and network with each other’s literary scenes in each season.
Second Fellow Luisa Ringel
We are pleased to announce that Luisa Ringel has been selected as a fellow for the second episode of the Seyir Quartier project.
With the residency in Istanbul…
First Fellow Zelal Dicle Baz
We are pleased to announce that Zelal Dicle Baz has been selected as the first fellow for the Seyir Quartier literary residency. The aim of the residency is to promote cultural exchange in the field of literature between Turkey and Germany…
OPEN CALLS
The residency extends throughout the year and takes place in three consecutive episodes, first in Cologne, then in Istanbul, and then back in Cologne.
Seyir Quartier 2025 – Episode 3
We are looking for a Turkish author at the beginning of their career who would like to participate in a literary residency in Cologne from March 6, 2026 for six weeks..
Seyir Quartier 2025 – Episode 2
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..
Seyir Quartier 2025 – Episode 1
We are looking for authors at the beginning of their careers from Turkey who would flourish in a six-week literary residency program in Cologne starting on October 15, 2025…
EVENTS
During the residencies, the fellows will be involved in various event formats or initiate them themselves. Interdisciplinary exhibitions, workshops, readings, and networking events are planned in cooperation with the fellows.
Love at Last Sight – Exhibition & Talk
Under the title “Love at Last Sight,” the first episode of the Seyir Quartier literary residency will open on November 26. an exhibition in which author Zelal Dicle Baz’s personal narrative meets Yusuf Baz’s photographs…
HOSTED BY
SUPPORTED BY
IN COOPERATION WITH
Frankfurt Book Fair, Land in Sicht e.V., Association for the Promotion of the Cologne – Istanbul City Partnership e.V., NEOLA art projects e.V., Kulturbunker Köln-Mülheim, the “other” Literaturcafé