Goethe Medal Awarded to Osman Kavala, Li Yuan, and David Van Reybrouck
The Goethe-Institut has announced that the Goethe Medal of the Federal Republic of Germany will be awarded to Turkish cultural promoter Osman Kavala, Chinese linguist Li Yuan, and Belgian author David Van Reybrouck. The prestigious award, an official honor bestowed by the German government, recognizes their significant contributions to international cultural exchange and understanding. The award ceremony is scheduled to take place on August 28th in Weimar, Germany.
Osman Kavala, who has been imprisoned in Turkey since 2017, is being recognized for his continued commitment to peace and reconciliation efforts in the region, even during his incarceration. The Goethe-Institut emphasized that Kavala’s work continues to be a vital force in fostering dialogue and understanding despite the immense personal challenges he faces.
Li Yuan is being honored for her dedication to promoting German as a foreign language in China. Her work has profoundly impacted the curriculum and teaching practices in Chinese schools and universities, significantly advancing the study of German language and culture in the country.
David Van Reybrouck is being celebrated for his insightful and thought-provoking books on South Africa, the Congo, and Indonesia. His works shed light on perspectives often overlooked in Western-dominated historical narratives, making significant contributions to contemporary political discourse.
Gesche Joost, President of the Goethe-Institut in Berlin, emphasized the importance of cultural understanding in a world facing increasing challenges to democratic values. "We are experiencing a world of new roughness, in which democratic values are often under pressure. Especially now, we need cultural understanding and people who make a difference," she stated, highlighting the crucial role these individuals play in fostering dialogue and promoting understanding across cultures.
Thomas Oberender, Chairman of the Goethe Medal selection committee, described the honorees as "quiet revolutionaries," recognizing their subtle yet powerful impact on society. He lauded their dedication to promoting human rights, cultural understanding, and critical thinking.
Osman Kavala’s organization, Anadolu Kültür, founded in Istanbul in 2002, has been instrumental in promoting human rights, art, and culture through its various projects. However, Kavala’s work has been met with resistance from the Turkish government. He has been imprisoned since 2017 and was sentenced to aggravated life imprisonment in 2022 in a trial that has been widely criticized internationally.
The Turkish court convicted Kavala of attempting to overthrow the government in connection with the Gezi Park protests of 2013. These protests began as a local demonstration against a construction project in Istanbul’s city center but quickly evolved into nationwide protests against the government. Critics argue that the charges against Kavala are politically motivated and represent a crackdown on dissent and freedom of expression in Turkey. International observers have expressed serious concerns about the fairness and transparency of the legal proceedings.
Li Yuan’s contribution to the field of German language education in China has been significant. She has played a key role in shaping the curriculum and pedagogical approaches used in Chinese schools and universities. Her efforts have not only enhanced the quality of German language instruction but have also fostered a deeper understanding of German culture and society among Chinese students. The Goethe-Institut acknowledged her profound influence on the way German is taught and learned in China.
David Van Reybrouck’s work is characterized by his meticulous research and his commitment to giving voice to marginalized perspectives. His books delve into the complex histories of post-colonial nations, offering nuanced and thought-provoking analyses of the challenges and opportunities facing these societies. He meticulously researches his subjects, often spending years immersing himself in the culture and history of the regions he writes about.
Van Reybrouck’s use of oral history is particularly noteworthy. For his book "Revolusi – Indonesia and the Birth of the Modern World," he traveled extensively throughout Indonesia and beyond, seeking out eyewitnesses to the country’s tumultuous history. He interviewed individuals living in nursing homes, remote villages, and the mountainous regions of Nepal, meticulously documenting their stories and perspectives. By incorporating these personal narratives into his writing, Van Reybrouck creates a rich and compelling account of Indonesian history that goes beyond traditional historical narratives.
The Goethe Medal, now in its 70th year, is being awarded publicly in Weimar for the first time. The date of the ceremony, August 28th, coincides with the birthday of the renowned German poet Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749-1832). The recipients of the medal are selected by a distinguished committee comprising prominent figures from the world of arts and culture. This year’s committee included the renowned dramaturg Matthias Lilienthal.
Previous recipients of the Goethe Medal include the conductor Daniel Barenboim and the British author Ian McEwan, highlighting the award’s prestige and its recognition of individuals who have made significant contributions to international cultural exchange. The Goethe Medal is a testament to the power of culture to bridge divides, promote understanding, and foster dialogue in an increasingly complex and interconnected world. The recognition of Kavala, Yuan, and Van Reybrouck underscores the importance of supporting individuals who are dedicated to these goals.
