Behzad Karim Khani was born in Tehran in 1977; he grew up in a family of artists before going into exile in Germany in 1986. Now based in Berlin, he is an author and freelance journalist with a background in art history and media studies from Ruhr University Bochum. His acclaimed debut novel, Hund, Wolf, Schakal(Dog, Wolf, Jackal), published in 2022, has won multiple awards, including the Harbour Front Literaturfestival and Buddenbrookhaus debut prizes. Khani’s work reflects his rich cultural heritage and experiences, cementing his place as a significant voice in contemporary literature.

For Behzad, Berlin is a city that constantly challenges him to write, with so much happening simultaneously. He loves how the city has a unique energy—where nobody judges, yet everyone leaves you to do your own thing. It’s a place that offers complete freedom, allowing him to explore his creativity without restrictions.