Season 2 of Seyir Quartier
The literary residency Seyir Quartier is entering its second Season. In three episodes, we will again give two authors from Turkiye the opportunity to work and network in Cologne, while a literary facilitator from Cologne, who gets the chance to visit Istanbul during November and December, will serve as a link between the two writers as well as between the two literary scenes.
Again in this new season, we are pleased to announce our partnership with the Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts. Through this collaboration, the selected author (provided they meet the eligibility criteria) will benefit from the İKSV Young Artist Fund International Mobility Programme to support their travel expenses.
The project is generously supported by RheinEnergie Stiftung Kultur, Kulturamt der Stadt Köln, and Stiftung Kunstsalon, in partnership with das “andere” Literaturcafé, Frankfurt Book Fair, Kulturbunker Köln-Mülheim, Landinsicht e.V., NEOLA art projects e.V., Portiko Readings and Performances, Verein zur Förderung der Städtepartnerschaft Köln – Istanbul e.V..
EPISODE 1: 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 September 19th, 2026. 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 November to December, will take place at Atelier Galata , welcoming literary facilitators, 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.
Collaboration between the episodes is an opportunity we encourage and support.
Residency Details of Episode 1:
- Application Dates: 11th of May– 25th of May
- Residency Start Date: 19th of September, 2026
- 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. Collaboration with the literary facilitator beyond the stay in Cologne is encouraged. 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 31st, 2026. The selected writer will be announced in the first half of June 2026.
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.
