Launch of the Southwest Asian and North African Literatures Network

We’re thrilled to share the launch of a new platform fostering interdisciplinary exchange and creative engagement with SWANA literatures and cultures. Our inaugural symposium, Literature, Care, and the Ethics of Living in SWANA, will take place on 10 April 2026 at Utrecht University—CfP now open!

I’m beyond excited to announce the launch of our new platform at Utrecht University: the Southwest Asian and North African Literatures Network! Müge Özoğlu (Utrecht University) and I have been envisioning this network for a long time, and we’re thrilled that it’s finally out in the world!

Through meetings, workshops, and other cultural activities, the network aims to create opportunities for interdisciplinary knowledge exchange, creative practice, and collective exploration of SWANA literatures and cultures in both academic and public settings.

SWANA Lit Network is a collaborative and interdisciplinary community that welcomes scholars, writers, artists, and cultural practitioners based in the Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg. If you are a researcher or a creative who would like to collaborate with us or stay informed about SWANA Lit network’s events but are not based in these locations, feel free to contact us and join our mailing list. Please share the announcement within your circles and join us!

We are now accepting abstract submissions for our inaugural event, which will be a symposium on Literature, Care, and the Ethics of Living in SWANA (10 April 2026, Utrecht University).

Visit our website to learn more about the network and to check our CfP! https://swanalit.sites.uu.nl/about/