The guest for the November edition of the Serenita Talks, organized by the SES Equality and Solidarity Association, was writer and activist Oya Baydar. In a conversation that turned into a delightful discussion with participants’ questions and comments, Baydar responded to questions from T24 columnist Ebru Dedeoğlu about her latest book, The Book of Remembering and Forgetting.
As the SES Equality and Solidarity Association, we were thrilled to host the esteemed writer Oya Baydar this month in our Serenita Gatherings. Held on November 26 and met with great interest, the event featured an engaging discussion about Baydar’s latest novel, The Book of Remembering and Forgetting. This recent work by Baydar, which reflects on Turkey’s recent history, also enabled a deep exploration of concepts like power, gender inequality, and the individual’s struggle against authority.
Baydar’s latest book tells the story of a man who has devoted his life to serving state interests as a high-ranking intelligence officer without questioning his actions and a woman passionately in love with him. Does committing crimes against humanity in the name of the state warrant forgiveness? Does love legitimize complicity in silence? Can one find solace in forgetting when overcome by the ambition for power? The Book of Remembering and Forgetting chases these questions, reflecting the accumulation of Baydar’s years of struggle.
While narrating the man’s journey of consciousness on his deathbed, the book also sheds light on the dark turns in Turkey’s recent history. This journey helps readers understand the fragility of individual memory and the mechanisms of collective forgetting. In the discussion, Baydar compellingly shared the inspiration for her novel and insights into how Turkey’s social memory has been shaped.
Together with the participants, we shared individual and societal experiences through universal themes like love, conscience, and reckoning, while questioning Turkey’s recent history. One of the most striking aspects of the event was the discussions centered on the concept of “power.” Topics such as the nature of power, its relationship with gender, its potential to deepen inequalities, and the individual’s struggle with authority were thoroughly examined. Baydar also shared how she addressed these concepts in her novel and her thoughts on literature’s role in social transformation.
I Am Not Hopeless
The conversation also touched upon Oya Baydar’s life journey. She spoke about her discovery later in life that her military father may have played an active role in the Dersim Massacre, a story she wrote about in her book That Magnificent Life of Yours. A lifelong activist for individual rights and freedoms, Baydar reflected on her 84 years of life but emphasized that she remains hopeful.
This event, held as part of our Serenita Gatherings, provided participants with a fresh perspective on Turkey’s past and present. It marked a significant step in questioning the importance of collective memory, understanding the multifaceted nature of power, and recognizing our individual responsibilities. Oya Baydar’s powerful narrative and sincere approach deeply moved everyone in attendance.
As the SES Equality and Solidarity Association, we will continue to raise social awareness and advocate for democratic values through such events.