International Women’s Day: Today and Every Day
She sits at her desk, reading lamp above her, smoking a cigarette as she reads through handwritten lines of poetry. She is Liu Xia.March 8 is International Women’s Day,… More
PEN Award Winner Ayşe Berktay Released from Prison in Turkey
PEN American Center is thrilled by the news that Turkish translator, writer, and peaceful activist Ayşe Berktay has been released from prison pending trial today, but remains deeply troubled… More
Turkey Jails ‘Black Beauty’ Translator, Others: Comment
Last Friday Ali hoped that Ayse would finally be freed while the case continued. They waved to one another across the vast courtroom. She was smiling and looked confident,… More
PEN/Barbara Goldsmith Freedom to Write Award: Ayşe Berktay
PEN American Center named Ayşe Berktay, a translator, writer, and activist in Turkey, as the recipient of its 2013 PEN/Barbara Goldsmith Freedom to Write Award. Berktay, a leading advocate… More
Interview with PEN Turkey President Tarik Günersel
We spoke with PEN Turkey President Tarik Günersel on Freedom to Write Award winner Ayse Berktay and free expression in Turkey. More
Ayşe Berktay | Status: On Trial | Turkey
Ayşe Berktay, a translator, cultural and women's rights activist, is currently on trial in Turkey for "membership in an illegal organization." She faces up to 15 years in prison… More