Berlin, February 11, 2026 – Ayşe Kara, a student at Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin (HU), has been selected as the new city writer for the Berlin Student Union. Her literary works, comprising poems and drawings, will be featured on the Student Union’s Berlin Stories blog for a three-month period, commencing in February 2026.
HU Student to Chronicle Berlin Life Through Poetry
The appointment was announced at an event held at the end of January. The jury commended Kara for her “flowing, artfully interwoven sentences” that effectively transport readers to various Berlin locations, skillfully incorporating the sounds of their names. Kara, a native Berliner of Turkish descent, grew up in Kreuzberg and began her studies in philosophy and German literature at HU in the winter semester of 2023/24.
“Urban writing means reconstruction work”: Ayşe Kara’s Vision
As the new city writer, Ayşe Kara aims to transform her personal experiences and observations of Berlin life into poetic narratives. The initial three poems, accompanied by her illustrations, are already accessible on the blog’s website. These early works draw inspiration from a district library and the intersection of Engelbecken/Leuschnerdamm in Berlin-Kreuzberg, weaving together themes of her upbringing, family history, and the broader historical tapestry of Berlin through evocative language and rhythmic verse.
“For me, urban writing means reconstruction work,” states Kara. She intends for her poems and her unique perspective on Berlin to encompass diverse viewpoints, specifically highlighting the proletarian, migrant, and student experiences. When asked if the Grimm Centre at HU might inspire a future poem, Kara indicated it was a distinct possibility, given the significant amount of time she spends there.
The “City Writers” Program and “Lies los!” Events
Ayşe Kara discovered the City Writers program during a lecture on “Weimar Classicism” delivered by Professor Dr. Charlotte Kurbjuhn. She recounted that the professor of modern German literature discussed writing and art as commissioned work, and at the conclusion of her lecture, mentioned the program as an opportunity for students with literary aspirations – a perfect blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application.
The Student Services Association’s City Writers program, established in 2018, is set to select a total of three city writers for the first time during 2026. Additionally, the Student Services Association hosts the “Lies los!” (Start reading!) event series at the c.t. coffee bar in the HU main building. This initiative provides a “safe space” for student authors to recite their texts regularly.
Further information regarding Ayşe Kara’s contributions can be found on the Berlin Stories blog. Details about the “Lies los!” reading platform for student authors and the “City Writers” program are also available through the Berlin Student Union.
Source: https://www.hu-berlin.de/en/news/detail/ayse-kara-new-city-writer-for-the-berlin-student-union
