This talk will reflect on excerpts of an interview the presenter conducted with Cornelius Bischoff, the former German translator of one of Turkey’s most famous, influential, and frequently read authors Yaşar Kemal. Schwalm and Bischoff discuss what role and position the translator him/herself claims within a concept of a 'history of contact' (Berührungsgeschichte) between Germany and Turkey. Looking behind the scenes at the work of the translator, several insights from the interview will be highlighted that will expand the current understanding of such a history, which has thus far been theorized and questioned primarily within works of fiction. Therefore this talk hopes to open a discussion on how and if literary translations and the translator might be integrated in the concept of a 'history of contact' between Germany and Turkey.

The talk will be held in German.