Writings from Prison

by Leyla Zana

A symbol of courage, an activist in the struggle for the recognition of Kurdish identity, an advocate of women’s emancipation and democratization of Turkey, Leyla Zala is the first Kurdish woman elected to the parliament in Turkey of post military dictatorship (1991). Tolerance was short lived. In 1994 she and five other Kurdish parliamentarians were stripped of their immunity, arrested, and sentenced to 15 years in prison for statements made in support of a peaceful resolution of the Kurdish problem in Turkey. Since the arrest, a tremendous effort has been launched on her behalf by human rights organizations and the diplomatic community worldwide.

114 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 1999

Reviews

[Bella98 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an incredible book with amazing writings from Leyla Zana while she was in prison, just for being a Kurd. Leyla Zana is an inspiration to all Kurds, especially Kurdish women, to stand up against oppression and to use your voice. She’s a heroine, an incredible woman, with an incredible and inspiring story.

[RinTinTin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Valuable collection of translated letters written by Leyla Zana from prison, complete with relevant contextualization that makes it equally good for the classroom and the interested non-expert.