The Multilingual Success of Author Kurtuluş Baştimar: “Farewell Freedom” Now Available in Arabic

Kurtuluş Baştimar, a prominent figure in the international literary world, has achieved yet another milestone with his debut novel “Farewell Freedom.” Already translated into several languages such as French, Dutch, and German, the novel has now been published in Arabic. It was released by France-based Maysaloon Publishing and has attracted significant attention in literary circles across the Arab world.

Originally published in 2018 and awarded the Golden Pen Literature Prize, “Farewell Freedom” stands not only as a personal story but also as a literary manifesto of repressed identities, banned languages, and silenced memories. Centered around Kurdish identity, the book sheds light on Turkey’s recent history while exploring themes of cultural freedom, resistance, and migration through a universal language.

The novel’s protagonist, Ahmed, begins his journey in a small village, where he and his sister attempt to resist through language and art. However, mounting oppression and tragedy drive him first to Istanbul and later to Europe. Ahmed’s internal struggle becomes a voice for an entire people. Throughout the novel, Baştimar positions language as a tool of resistance, while deeply examining concepts of identity, belonging, and freedom.

Kurtuluş Baştimar was born in 1993 in Kars, Turkey. After studying law in Europe, he turned his focus to human rights and literature. Despite being his first novel, “Farewell Freedom” quickly became an international success. The novel is now available to Arabic readers in both print and digital formats.

With this latest translation, Baştimar’s literary voice now echoes across Arabic-speaking regions. “Farewell Freedom” is not merely a novel—it is a powerful literary stance etched into cultural memory.