International Translation Day Seminar at IUE: “Tradurre è Tradire? Is Translation Treason?”

In celebration of International Translation Day, the Department of English Translation and Interpreting at Izmir University of Economics (IUE) organized a seminar titled “Tradurre è Tradire? Is Translation Treason?” on Wednesday, October 7, 2026. Held at the D Block Multipurpose Hall, the event brought together faculty members and students with translator Timur Guda as the guest speaker.

The event commenced with a brief piano recital, followed by an opening speech by Department Head Prof. Dr. Nihal Yetkin Karakoç on the significance of the day for translators and the “uniqueness” of the human touch in literary translation. Department alumni then shared their career journeys and professional advice with students. Video messages from graduates pursuing postgraduate degrees abroad were screened, offering valuable perspectives on international academic opportunities.

Following the alumni segment, guest speaker Timur Guda took the stage. He began his presentation by sharing his experience in conference interpreting and discussed the diverse demands of professional practice. He emphasized that interpreters must effectively navigate both institutional hierarchies and cultural contexts, noting that professional conduct, appearance, and the ability to represent oneself professionally are essential components of professional competence, particularly in diplomatic and official settings.

Guda, who has translated works by Italian authors such as Niccolò Machiavelli, Francesco Petrarca, Pietro Greco, and Dante Alighieri into Turkish, also shared first-hand insights into literary translation. He emphasized the importance of regular and diverse reading across different periods and genres to develop language awareness. Reflecting on the central question, “Is translation treason?”, he pointed out that when translating historical texts, translators should make the work accessible to modern readers without compromising the historical context, spirit, or core meaning of the original.

Following an interactive Q&A session on professional translation practices, the seminar concluded with a reception.