Russian-German Author Ira Peter Inspires Memory Preservation in Almaty
Russian-German author and journalist Ira Peter recently visited Almaty, where she led a workshop at the German House. The event aimed to encourage Russian Germans to record their memories, fostering a collective voice and commemorating those deported to Kazakhstan.
Born in Zelinograd (now Astana) in 1983, Ira Peter moved to Baden-Württemberg with her family in 1992. Since then, she has lived between two worlds, an experience reflected in her work. At the Goethe Institute in Almaty, she taught young journalists about writing, including a unique lesson on using scent as a storytelling prompt. For Ira Peter, the scent of gummy bears evokes her childhood in Zelinograd and the promise of a world beyond.
The workshop at the German House not only encouraged participants to start a blog inspired by Ira Peter's words but also served as a day of remembrance for the Russian Germans deported to Kazakhstan. This fostered a sense of community among those present. The day concluded with a reading from Ira Peter's autobiography, 'German enough?', published in spring 2025. The book, which Ira Peter published herself, tells her personal story while symbolizing the experiences of many other Russian Germans. The reading evoked emotions and thoughts related to the history of Russian Germans, bringing listeners together.
Ira Peter's visit to Almaty highlighted the importance of preserving and sharing memories, fostering community, and encouraging cultural diversity in storytelling. Her workshop and book reading left a lasting impact on participants, inspiring them to explore their own stories and perspectives.
