Burhan Sönmez, wearing a light check jacket, seated on a park bench
Portrait of Burhan Sönmez - Milan - 2019 - ©Roberto Gandola

Burhan
Sönmez

Burhan Sönmez is the author of five novels, which have been published in more than thirty languages. He was born in Turkey and grew up speaking Turkish and Kurdish. He worked as a lawyer in Istanbul before going into political exile in Britain. Sönmez’s writing has appeared in such publications as The Guardian, Der Spiegel, Die Zeit, and La Repubblica. His previous novel, Labyrinth, was published by Other Press in 2019. He was elected President of PEN International in 2021. Photo: Kaan Saganak

Burhan Sönmez is the author of five novels, which have been published in more than thirty languages. He was born in Turkey and grew up speaking Turkish and Kurdish. He worked as a lawyer in Istanbul before going into political exile in Britain. Sönmez’s writing has appeared in such publications as The Guardian, Der Spiegel, Die Zeit, and La Repubblica. His previous novel, Labyrinth, was published by Other Press in 2019. He was elected President of PEN International in 2021. Photo: Kaan Saganak

artwork-image

PREVIOUS NOMINATIONS

RELATED FEATURES

News February 17 2026

2026 Dublin Literary Award Longlist is Revealed

Delve into the 20 novels longlisted this year.
Video December 31 2025

Bidding farewell on our 30 Years Anniversary Year

Let's take a look back at some highlights from past years.
News November 19 2025

2026 Nominations Revealed

69 titles have been nominated by 80 libraries from 36 countries for the 2026 Award
News November 19 2025

2026 Dublin Literary Award Judges Announced

Meet our judging panel for 2026 Dublin Literary Award

STAY CONNECTED

Stay in touch and sign up to our newsletter to receive all the latest news and updates on the Dublin Literary Award.