Roni Margulies Obituary: Remembering the Poet, Author, and Activist

It is with heavy hearts and profound sadness that we announce the passing of the esteemed poet, author, journalist, and translator, Roni Margulies. At the age of 68, Margulies left this world, leaving behind a legacy of literary brilliance and social activism.

Born on May 5, 1955, in the vibrant city of İstanbul, Turkey, Roni Margulies’ life journey was profoundly influenced by his Jewish heritage. His father, belonging to the Ashkenazi Jewish lineage, and his mother, hailing from the Sephardic Jewish community, played pivotal roles in shaping his worldview.

Throughout his life, Margulies remained deeply committed to his beliefs and principles. He was a long-standing member of the Revolutionary Socialist Workers’ Party (DSİP), passionately advocating for social justice and political change.

Educational Pursuits and Literary Achievements

Roni Margulies’ thirst for knowledge led him to pursue his education with dedication and passion. He attended primary and secondary schools at Şişli Terakki and completed his high school education at İstanbul’s prestigious Robert College.

Margulies continued his academic journey at various universities in the UK, where he immersed himself in the study of economics and embraced the tenets of Marxism. With his profound understanding of economics and his Marxist perspective, he later became an associate professor in the field.

Margulies’ literary journey began with his debut poetry book, which was published in 1991. Over the years, he enriched the literary landscape with numerous books, most of which were poetry collections. Additionally, his literary repertoire extended to include translations, works on literature, politics, and history.

In 2020, Margulies unveiled his last book titled “Server of the Turk – Being a minority in Turkey,” a thought-provoking piece that added another gem to his already illustrious body of work.

Beyond poetry, Margulies’ insightful articles graced the pages of various magazines and newspapers. Moreover, he contributed to the Taraf newspaper as a columnist between 2009 and 2013, using his platform to share his unique perspectives and ideas.

Transcending Boundaries Through Translation

As a testament to his linguistic prowess, Margulies undertook the translation of poems by renowned poets such as Ted Hughes, Philip Larkin, and Yehuda Amihay, bringing their words to the Turkish audience with artistic finesse.

Awards and Recognitions

Roni Margulies’ exceptional talent and dedication were duly recognized in the literary world. In 2002, he was bestowed with the prestigious Yunus Nadi Poetry Award for his outstanding book titled “Time Difference” (Saat Farkı), cementing his place among Turkey’s literary luminaries.

A Poetry of Emotion and Depth

Margulies viewed his poetry as a harmonious amalgamation of passion and fear, excitement and concern. His words had the power to touch hearts, resonate with emotions, and provoke profound introspection.

A Life Shaped by Migration

In his writings, Margulies often reflected on the theme of migration, a topic that held personal significance for him. His father’s family hailed from Poland, and his grandfather’s journey from Krakow to Berlin and eventually to Turkey painted a picture of migration compelled by historical events.

As we bid farewell to Roni Margulies, we honor his contributions to literature, social activism, and his enduring commitment to the values he held dear. He leaves behind a rich literary legacy that will continue to inspire and captivate readers for generations to come. May his words echo through time, forever resonating in the hearts of those who cherished his poetry and celebrated his profound insights into the human experience.