Fêrgîn Melîk Aykoç Receives an Award at the Frankfurt Book Fair

Fêrgîn Melîk Aykoç, a writer for AmidaKurd.net, received an award at the Frankfurt Book Fair from Salahaddin University in Erbil in recognition of his literary work.

Writer Fêrgîn Melîk Aykoç received an award from Salahaddin University in Erbil yesterday at the Frankfurt International Book Fair. The award was presented in recognition of his literary work. Aykoç described it as “the most valuable award” and expressed his gratitude to Salahaddin University in Erbil, in Southern Kurdistan.

Fêrgîn Melîk Aykoç is particularly known for his works on history and historical novels. Among his works are the novels Serwerê Med Aştiyago, Neviyê Aştiyago Gaumada, and Jiyar, Keyzadê Mîtanî. In these works, the author has sought to present to readers, on the basis of historical data and from an objective perspective, a history that has deliberately been made forgotten and distorted.

According to the available information, all three novels have received very positive responses from Kurdish readers.

The Importance of Historical Research in Writing Novels

In his latest article, Aykoç also focuses on the historical novel. Under the title The Historical Novel and Some Facts, he presents his views on the characteristics of historical novels, the importance of research, and writers’ responsibility when presenting historical facts.

In his view, a historical novel should not be based merely on a few events heard about or on unverified information. Rather, it should be grounded in extensive research, knowledge of the historical background, and an accurate understanding of the period in which the events took place. He also draws attention to the importance of the language, characters, and social conditions of the period.

In his article, Aykoç refers to the epic Memê Alan and states that Kurdish oral literature contains many stories and epics that can be examined within the framework of the historical novel. He also discusses Mem û Zîn by Ehmedê Xanî as an important work in the form of a masnavi, exploring many aspects of human life, characters, and the conflicts of its era.

A Warning Against Historical Inaccuracies

Another section of Aykoç’s article consists of criticism of certain historical inaccuracies that, in his view, appear in some Kurdish novels. In particular, he examines Mehmet Uzun’s novel Rojek ji Rojên Evdalê Zeynikê and argues that important details about Evdalê Zeynikê’s life are inaccurately presented in some parts of the novel.

In the same article, Aykoç draws attention to works about Kurdish historical figures such as Ehmedê Xanî and Şêx Seîdê Pîranî. In his view, writers who wish to write historical novels about these figures should conduct thorough and reliable research into their lives, ideas, the places where they lived, and the events in which they participated before beginning to write.

At the end of his article, Aykoç emphasizes the importance of preserving historical facts and writers’ responsibility towards society’s historical and cultural memory. Fêrgîn Melîk Aykoç also calls on those who wish to write historical novels to devote considerable time and effort to research, read source materials, and develop a sound understanding of the historical period they portray.

The award Fêrgîn Melîk Aykoç received from Salahaddin University in Erbil also provides an opportunity for his literary work and his views on the importance of research and historical accuracy to receive greater recognition.

AmidaKurd.net