The Goethe Medal, one of Germany’s most prestigious cultural honors, will be awarded this year to Chinese linguist Li Yuan, Belgian writer David Van Reybrouck and Turkish human rights defender Osman Kavala. The award ceremony will take place on Goethe’s birthday in Weimar on August 28.
Gesche Joost, President of the Goethe Institute, described Kavala as “a tireless thinker”. Kavala continues to create cultural spaces for peace and social reconciliation, despite being imprisoned in Turkey since 2017. Kavala’s efforts have strengthened civil society networks.
The Goethe Medal has previously been presented to names such as Prof. Dr. Sadi Irmak, Prof. Dr. Ekrem Akurgal, Prof. Dr. Şara Sayın and Doğan Akhanlı from Turkey.
With 151 branches worldwide, the Goethe-Institut continues to support German language training and cultural exchange activities.
6 May 2025
Nüpel