THE 2027 SERBEST BEST BOOK AWARD IN KURDISH STUDIES (HUMANITIES)

We are pleased to announce that nominations are now open for the 2027 Serbest Best

Book Award in Kurdish Studies (Humanities). Sponsored by the Serbest Foundation Kurdish Studies Awards Endowed Fund, this award honors outstanding contributions to the study of Kurdish history, literature, philosophy, religion, linguistics, and related fields in the humanities published within the past three years (October 2023–October 2026). Edited volumes are not eligible for nomination.

The award committee, chaired by the Director of the Kurdish Political Studies Program at the University of Central Florida, will evaluate nominated books based on the following criteria: originality of the argument; depth and rigor of the scholarship; innovative use of sources; theoretical and methodological contributions; clarity and readability; and the book’s contribution to advancing the field of Kurdish studies in the humanities.

The recipient will receive a plaque and a $1,000 prize at the awards ceremony, scheduled for Spring 2027 at the University of Central Florida.

Nomination Process

Authors or nominators should contact the publisher to request that either an eBook be submitted by email or a physical copy be mailed directly to each member of the award committee. All copies must be received by November 1, 2026, to allow sufficient time for review.

Nominators are also encouraged to send a brief nomination letter to all committee members by email or post by the deadline.

Self-nominations are welcome. Authors nominating their own books are responsible for contacting their publishers and ensuring that copies are sent to all members of the award committee, either electronically or by mail.

Award Committee

Chair: Mehmet Gurses, University of Central Florida, gurses@ucf.edu  

Member: Nilay Özok-Gündoğan, Florida State University, nozokgundogan@fsu.edu  

Member: Dibar Celik, University of Rouen, France, dibar.celik@univ-rouen.fr