Here, in Cologne’s Westfriedhof, lies the grave of Hanspeter Achmed Schmiede. He was a man of many talents, a translator of Azerbaijani and Turkish literature, a convert to Islam, and even a member of the Karl May Society. Many may not know this, but Schmiede was a vital figure in helping to build the Munich Mosque in the 1960s, even serving as secretary to the Islamische Gemeinschaft in Süddeutschland. His dedication to Islamic communities in Germany was evident during his lifetime. Schmiede translated numerous texts into German, even sharing his passion for the works of the late Karl May. Schmiede authored a number of articles about Turkish or Islamic themes in May’s works and published a poem of his own in a German translation of “Kleines Lehrbuch des Islam”. In his later years, he translated the travel journals of a number of Muslim seafarers, including the writings of Piri Reis and Barbarossa’s comrade Muradi. He is remembered for his dedication to spreading knowledge and understanding of both Islam and German literature. His legacy continues to encourage dialogue and appreciation for the diverse world around us.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to