Gün Benderli Togay Honored with Balassi Prize for Literary Translation
Gün Benderli Togay Awarded Balassi Grand Prize for Literary Translation
Literary translator Gün Benderli Togay was honored with this year’s Balassi Grand Prize for Literary Translation for her outstanding contribution to promoting Hungarian culture. The State Secretary for the Development of Bilateral Relations announced the award at a ceremony held on Wednesday.
Boglárka Illés highlighted the significant role of Gün Benderli Togay in promoting Hungarian culture and literature. The Balassi Grand Prize for Literary Translation, established in 2017, aims to recognize and raise awareness of the work of translators alongside authors.
Referring to the legacy of Bálint Balassi, a pioneering figure in Hungarian poetry, Boglárka Illés praised Togay for her dedication to fostering cultural exchange. The ceremony coincided with the centenary of Turkish-Hungarian diplomatic relations, adding special significance to the award.
Baris Yilmaz, a literary translator and Assistant Professor at the University of Szeged, commended Togay for her efforts in strengthening Turkish-Hungarian friendship. He highlighted her remarkable career and emphasized her role in bridging cultural divides through translation.
Gün Benderli Togay, aged 94, has been instrumental in translating works by renowned Hungarian authors such as Imre Kertész, Péter Esterházy, and László Krasznahorkai into Turkish. Her ability to convey complex ideas and emotions across languages has earned her widespread recognition in the literary community.
Baris Yilmaz praised Togay’s skill in navigating linguistic and cultural nuances, describing her translations as both precise and elegant. He underscored the importance of her work in inspiring future generations of translators and fostering cross-cultural understanding.
The award ceremony, held in Budapest, commemorated Togay’s lifelong dedication to literary translation and cultural diplomacy. Her unwavering commitment to promoting Hungarian literature has left a lasting impact on the literary landscape.
In conclusion, Gün Benderli Togay’s achievements exemplify the power of translation as a tool for fostering mutual understanding and appreciation between diverse cultures. Her work serves as a testament to the enduring bond between Hungary and Turkey, transcending linguistic barriers and celebrating the richness of cultural heritage.
