Mar 19 • 13:38 UTC 🇩🇪 Germany SZ

Literature: Continuing to Write in Exile

Atefe Asadi, a 31-year-old Iranian author and translator, reflects on her struggles and aspirations as she adapts to life and writing in Germany after fleeing Iran in December 2022.

Atefe Asadi, who fled Iran for Germany in December 2022, faced profound helplessness and a sense of loss, struggling to maintain her identity as a writer and translator. She describes losing her Persian language, inspirations, and the community that once supported her creative work, leaving her feeling alienated in the German literary scene and its cultural dynamics. Asadi’s experience encapsulates the challenges faced by exiled writers, who often abandon not just their physical homes, but also the languages, sources of inspiration, and connections that shape their literary voices. Despite these obstacles, Asadi is determined to carve out a space for her writing within the realm of exile literature. She explores the potential for collaboration with other authors, such as Judith Hermann and Saša Stanišić, both established figures in the German literary landscape, suggesting that working in tandem could help bridge the gap created by her displacement. Furthermore, the article raises questions about the support systems available for exiled artists, particularly highlighting the recent decision to discontinue the "Goethe-Institut im Exil" program, which aimed to foster engagement with artists in exile until June of this year. Asadi’s narrative not only sheds light on her personal journey but also underscores the broader significance of fostering artistic expressions among displaced individuals, indicating that literature can serve as a vital tool for cultural resilience and understanding in an increasingly complex global landscape. The challenges she faces reflect a pressing need for communities to create spaces that encourage diverse voices from around the world, especially those affected by the tumult of exile.

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