Nazim Hikmet

Date of Birth: January 15, 1902

Zodiac Sign: Capricorn

Date of Death: June 3, 1963

Biography

Nazim Hikmet, born Nâzım Hikmet Ran, was a renowned Turkish poet, playwright, novelist, and memoirist. He is regarded as one of the foremost figures in Turkish literature and is known for his distinctive poetic style, which blends both traditional Turkish themes and modernist elements. Hikmet was born on January 15, 1902, in Thessaloniki, which was then part of the Ottoman Empire (now in Greece). He came from a cosmopolitan family, with his father being a government official and his mother an artist. Hikmet’s early education was in Istanbul, but he later went to the Soviet Union, where he studied economics and sociology at the Communist University of the Toilers of the East in Moscow. It was during this period that he became heavily influenced by Marxist ideology, which significantly impacted his literary work. Throughout his life, Hikmet faced political persecution in Turkey due to his communist beliefs and spent many years in prison. Despite this, he continued to write prolifically, producing a vast array of poetry, plays, and novels. His works often dealt with themes of love, social justice, and the human condition. Hikmet’s influence extended beyond Turkey, earning him a place among the leading poets of the 20th century. He passed away on June 3, 1963, in Moscow, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire and resonate with readers around the world.

5 Interesting Facts about Nazim Hikmet

1. Nazim Hikmet was frequently imprisoned for his political beliefs and spent approximately 17 years in Turkish prisons.

2. His poetry has been translated into more than 50 languages, making him one of the most internationally recognized Turkish poets.

3. Hikmet was a close friend of Pablo Neruda, the famous Chilean poet, and the two shared a mutual admiration for each other’s work.

4. He was the first Turkish writer to be awarded the International Peace Prize, which he received in 1950.

5. Despite his political struggles, Hikmet’s work was celebrated posthumously in Turkey, and he is now considered a national literary icon.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Nazim Hikmet

1. “Living is no laughing matter: you must live with great seriousness like a squirrel, for example—I mean without looking for something beyond and above living, I mean living must be your whole occupation.”

2. “However and wherever we are, we must live as if we will never die.”

3. “The most beautiful sea: hasn’t been crossed yet. The most beautiful child: hasn’t grown up yet.”

4. “To live! Like a tree alone and free, like a forest in brotherhood.”

5. “I mean you must take living so seriously that even at seventy, for example, you will plant olive trees.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Nazim Hikmet’s highest net worth is not well-documented, as his life was marked by political persecution and imprisonment, rather than financial gain. However, his literary works have immense cultural and historical value.