The Schoulgin Lecture 2026: Elif Shafak
PEN Norway invites you to the inaugural edition of the Schoulgin Lecture. This year’s speaker is one of the most important literary voices of our time: the award-winning Turkish-British author Elif Shafak.
The Schoulgin Lecture was established to honor Eugene Schoulgin, an author and advocate for freedom of expression. A central figure in both PEN International and PEN Norway for decades, Schoulgin has dedicated her life to defending persecuted writers worldwide, with a particular commitment to Turkey.
It is therefore especially fitting that Elif Shafak will deliver the first lecture. Through her writing, she explores themes of identity, history, and political freedom. Shafak knows the cost of using one’s voice and has long been a fearless defender of democratic values and minority rights.
Program
Opening: Musical performance by Ghawgha
Welcome: Jørgen Watne Frydnes, Secretary General of PEN Norway
The Schoulgin Lecture 2026: Elif Shafak
Conversation: Elif Shafak in conversation with Jørgen Watne Frydnes, Secretary General of PEN Norway
Closing: Musical performance by Ghawgha
Practical Information
Date: June 3, 2026
Time: 8:00 PM–9:30 PM
Mingling before the event from 7:00 PM and after the program concludes.
Time: 8:00 PM–9:30 PM
Mingling before the event from 7:00 PM and after the program concludes.
Location: Marmorsalen, Sentralen i Oslo
Registration: Sign up here
Welcome to an evening with Elif Shafak, marked by wisdom, solidarity, and literary reflection in the spirit of Eugene Schoulgin.
For more details, see the Norsk PEN event page
