Remembering Sherko Bekas: A Kurdish Poet’s Enduring Legacy on the 12th Anniversary of His Passing

PUKMEDIA Archive

Sherko Bekas.

Today marks the 12th anniversary of the death of Sherko Bekas, one of the most influential and celebrated Kurdish poets of modern times. Born in Sulaymaniyah on 2 May 1940, Bekas left an indelible mark on Kurdish literature through his innovative poetry and lifelong dedication to the Kurdish cause.

Son of the renowned poet Fayaq Bekas, Sherko Bekas emerged as a powerful literary voice early on. In 1965, he joined the Kurdish liberation movement, contributing to its cultural efforts by working at the Voice of Kurdistan radio station. His poetry, marked by a break from traditional forms, introduced new styles such as Rûwange (“vision”) and the “poster poem,” which drew inspiration from visual arts and used vivid, concise imagery to convey deep emotions and complex themes.

Bekas’s work reflects the struggles and hopes of the Kurdish people, exploring themes of exile, identity, freedom, and resilience. Due to political persecution under Saddam Hussein’s Ba’ath regime, he was forced into exile in 1986 and spent several years in Sweden, where he gained international recognition, receiving prestigious awards including the Tucholsky Scholarship from the PEN Club in Stockholm and the Freedom Prize of the City of Florence.

After returning to the Kurdistan Region in 1992, Bekas continued to enrich Kurdish culture and literature. His poems have been translated into multiple languages, introducing Kurdish voices to readers worldwide. He travelled extensively, sharing his work across Europe, the United States, and beyond, and was honoured as an honorary citizen of Milan.

Sherko Bekas passed away on 4 August 2013. Today, as we remember his legacy, his poetry continues to inspire new generations, embodying the enduring spirit and cultural pride of the Kurdish people.



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