In the Temple of a Patient God

This collection illustrates the poignant journey of Bejan Matur, exploring themes of loss and identity through her evocative poetry in In the Temple of a Patient God.

Bejan Matur's In the Temple of a Patient God is a profound exploration of loss, memory, and identity, rooted in her experiences as a member of a Kurdish Alevi family during a tumultuous period in South-eastern Turkey. The poetry in this collection is not merely autobiographical; rather, it draws from the rich oral traditions of her childhood, weaving a tapestry of cultural heritage and personal history. Matur's words evoke a haunting landscape filled with grief and longing, where the remnants of a shattered past linger in the air.

The imagery in In the Temple of a Patient God is striking and evocative, painting a picture of a world marked by desolation and survival. Matur's poems serve as jagged shards that reflect the complexities of her upbringing and the historical context of her life. Through her unique voice, she captures the essence of a fragmented existence, where every stone and shadow tells a story of sorrow and resilience. The collection invites readers to engage with the deeper meanings of language and memory, revealing the intricate connections between the past and present.

In this work, Matur navigates the paradox of writing in Turkish while grappling with her Kurdish heritage. Her poetry becomes a bridge between languages, allowing her to excavate the layers of meaning hidden within each word. The dedication to her craft is evident, as she meticulously carves her verses to uncover the emotional truth at their core. In the Temple of a Patient God stands as a testament to the power of poetry to transcend borders and illuminate the human experience.