On 3 August, Haus der Kulturen der Welt (HKW) hosts an intimate gathering to honour the life and legacy of Semra Ertan (1957–1982), a poet, migrant, and activist who died at just 25 years of age. The event creates a space for reflection and remembrance through artist performances, live music, and readings of her poignant poems in the garden named after her at HKW.

Semra Ertan, a powerful voice against racism and discrimination, used her art and poetry to confront social injustice and name the struggles that are still faced by marginalized communities in Germany. She remains a symbol of defiance and solidarity in the face of ongoing injustice. This event invites the public to gather in solidarity to celebrate Ertan’s courage, creativity, and enduring impact. Through this commemoration, hosted with Initiative in Gedenken an Semra Ertan, her message is kept alive, inspiring ongoing conversations about identity, resistance, emancipation, and dignity.

Join us for this tribute to a remarkable figure whose voice continues to resonate today.