Najem Wali in Bamberg: Reading from A Place Named Kumait
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An evening between memory, exile, and literary present
The reading with Najem Wali in Bamberg on June 18, 2026, focuses on an author whose writing has been one of the most prominent voices in contemporary Arabic literature received in German for years. At the International Artists' House Villa Concordia, literature, language, and political experience come together in a format that creates closeness while simultaneously broadening the perspective.
A novel that speaks from the depths of memory
The highlight of the evening is A Place Named Kumait, Najem Wali's new novel, published in February 2026 by Secession Verlag. The book unfolds a love story in Iraq before the American invasion and intertwines personal upheavals with historical tensions. This is precisely where the reading gains its tension: from the encounter of private fate, political reality, and poetic linguistic art.
The voice of the reading: Meriam Abbas, moderated by Carsten Otte
The actress Meriam Abbas, who lives in Germany, reads excerpts from the new release. Her interpretation promises a dense reading atmosphere, in which sound, rhythm, and nuances of the narrative become visible. The evening is moderated by Carsten Otte from SWR, which adds further contour and journalistic precision to the literary evening.
Villa Concordia: a house for literature and cultural exchange
Since 1998, Villa Concordia has been a place where new literature, art, and music emerge and where cultural perspectives meet. The baroque architecture on the banks of the Regnitz provides a framework that gives a special dignity to the author encounter. In good weather, the event takes place in the artist house garden; admission is free, and access is via the main entrance on Concordiastraße.
Why this evening matters literarily
In his work, Najem Wali connects experiences of exile, memory, and insight into political fractures with great narrative clarity. His texts are not only reading material but also contributions to the cultural discourse on identity, belonging, and the power of storytelling. Those seeking literature as a space for insight will find a rare literary experience here.
Conclusion: This reading promises an evening for those who want to experience language, not just hear it. Between the novel, moderation, and the special aura of Villa Concordia, an event arises that makes the presence of literature palpable. It is best to be there live and encounter Najem Wali directly in Bamberg.
Official channels of Najem Wali:
- Instagram: No official profile found
- Facebook: No official profile found
- Website: https://najemwali.de/
- Publisher: https://secession-verlag.com/buecher/ein-ort-namens-kumait
