As part of Middle Ground, the Haus der Kulturen der Welt (HKW) invites literary festivals from all over the world every year. This time, the Hargeysa International Book Fair from Somaliland is a guest – bringing literature and oral narratives (Oraltur) from the Horn of Africa and the Indian Ocean region to Berlin. The festival runs from September 27 to September 29, 2024.
Image above: Design: Studio Yukiko / HKW
The Indian Ocean (Swahili Sea) has shaped the history of trade, migration, colonialism and oppression as a complex geographical intersection of India, the Arabian Peninsula and the Horn of Africa. It is a place of violence and subjugation, but also a place where the movement of populations, ideas and cultures has created a mosaic of different literary traditions.
The Middle Ground: Hargeysa International Book Fair draws on these rich traditions and at the same time looks at current discourses and the complex pluralism that characterizes the region today.
Das dreitägige Festivalprogramm umfasst Workshops, Dichterlesungen, Performances, Podiumsdiskussionen, Installationen und akustische Interventionen.
Internationale Buchmesse Hargeysa (HIBF)
Founded in 2008 by Jama Musse Jama, the Hargeysa International Book Fair (HIBF) has developed into an important event in the cultural landscape of Somaliland. A different guest country is invited to the book fair every year.
In addition to the presentation of books, the HIBF organizes poetry performances and discourse events. It also supports research, documentation and translation projects as well as the publication of oral literature by the Hargeysa Cultural Center’s publishing house.
With contributions from:
Jumoke Adeyanju, Muna Ahmed, Lubi Barre, Idris Elmi, Amanthi Harris, Amina Jama, Jama Musse Jama, Touhfat Mouhtare, Hafsa Omer, Pachakuti, Jean-Luc Raharimanana, Lemn Sissay, Ubax, Tirsit Yetbarek, Salah Yousif
Workshops (in English)
Creating memorable characters (deadline: Wednesday, September 18, 2024)
Bad manners: Writing as if the culture isn’t looking (Deadline: Wednesday, September 18, 2024)
WHEN?
Festival dates: Friday, September 27 – Sunday, September 29, 2024
Opening hours: Wednesday – Monday, 12 – 7 pm
Longer opening hours on event days
WHERE?
Haus der Kulturen der Welt
John-Foster-Dulles-Allee 10
10557 Berlin
COST?
Free admission
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