Küçük İskender (born İskender Şener; 2 June 1964 – 22 September 2019) was a Turkish poet, writer, translator, and performance artist. He is recognized for his contributions to contemporary Turkish literature, particularly within the avant‑garde and spoken‑word movements.
Early life and education
İskender Şener was born in Istanbul, Turkey. He attended primary and secondary schools in the city before enrolling at Istanbul University, where he studied Turkish language and literature. His early exposure to experimental poetry and underground cultural circles shaped his artistic direction.
Literary career
Küçük İskender began publishing poetry in the mid‑1980s, initially appearing in literary magazines and small‑press anthologies. In 1990, he released his first solo collection, Kör Büyüme (Blind Maturation), which established his reputation for unconventional syntax, colloquial diction, and urban themes. Subsequent books include:
- Evlilik Güncesi (1992)
- Hayalet Büyütücü (1995)
- Malamın Rengi (1999)
- Vazgeçmek (2005)
He also translated works of authors such as Charles Baudelaire, Vladimir Mayakovsky, and William S. Burroughs into Turkish, thereby introducing avant‑garde texts to a Turkish readership.
Performance and multimedia work
Beyond print, Küçük İskender was a prominent figure in Istanbul’s spoken‑word scene. He performed his poems at cafés, literary festivals, and alternative venues, often collaborating with musicians, visual artists, and theater groups. His performances were noted for improvisational delivery and incorporation of urban soundscapes.
Style and themes
Küçük İskender’s poetry is characterized by:
- Fragmented narratives and rapid shifts in perspective.
- Use of everyday language blended with surreal imagery.
- Exploration of alienation, urban decay, love, and the politics of everyday life.
Critics have placed his work within the tradition of Turkish modernism while acknowledging its distinct post‑modernist experimentation.
Death
Küçük İskender died of a heart attack on 22 September 2019 in Istanbul, at the age of 55. His death was widely reported in Turkish media, and numerous literary events were organized in his memory.
Legacy
Küçük İskender is regarded as a pioneering voice in contemporary Turkish poetry, influencing a generation of spoken‑word artists and experimental writers. Posthumous publications and retrospectives continue to assess his impact on Turkey’s literary landscape.
