One of the pioneering figures in Turkish literature, Pınar Kür, has passed away at the age of 82. Known for her bold exploration of themes such as the female body, freedom, and societal oppression, Kür inspired generations through both her academic and literary work, leaving behind a legacy woven with courage.
Born as Havva Pınar Kür in Bursa in 1943, she spent her childhood and youth in cities such as Zonguldak, Ankara, London, New York, and Paris. She was the daughter of writer İsmet Kür, the niece of poet Halide Nusret Zorlutuna, and cousin to novelist Emine Işınsu. She earned a PhD in theatre from the Sorbonne University and, upon returning to Turkey, played an active role in literature, translation, and academia.
Pınar Kür and Her Bold Literature
Her debut novel Yarın… Yarın… (Tomorrow… Tomorrow…) attracted early attention. With subsequent works such as Küçük Oyuncu (The Little Actress), Asılacak Kadın (The Woman to Be Hanged), Bitmeyen Aşk (Endless Love), and Bir Cinayet Romanı (A Murder Novel), she fearlessly tackled themes of female identity, sexuality, oppression, and liberation. Her short story collection Akışı Olmayan Sular (Stagnant Waters) earned her the 1984 Sait Faik Story Award. Her crime novel Bir Cinayet Romanı was considered groundbreaking in its postmodern narrative style.
Since the 1970s, Kür taught at Istanbul University and Bilgi University. She also worked as a translator, journalist, and television commentator. Some of her books were temporarily banned due to accusations of obscenity, but were later cleared. Her works were adapted into films, notably Asılacak Kadın, which became a focal point in censorship debates.
