We talk to the Turkish author about her own experiences of censorship, her gratitude to the PEN Club and her ongoing commitment to free expression.

Speaking of her own experiences of PEN’s defence of free expression she said: ‘I personally, have experienced the importance of that solidarity when I was put on trial in 2006) [over her novel The Bastard of Instanbul] I will never forget representatives of English PEN had come to Istanbul at the time.

‘They were constantly following the trial, the case, and it felt so important to know that I was not alone.

‘I have huge respect and love for International PEN, English PEN and various PEN organisations across the world because I think that they are all branches of the same tree working together.’

Read the full interview.