The Keats-Shelley Memorial Association host a variety of prizes for young writers every year, but in celebration of the bicentenary of Lord Byron’s death, on this occasion, those entering the Young Romantics Prize essay competition were asked to submit an essay on one of the following subjects: In what ways are Romantic-period writers relevant today? or “Mad, bad and dangerous to know”: How important is a knowledge of Byron’s life to an understanding of his poetry?

Aydin’s essay, titled London to Damascus: How Romanticism has Resurfaced in Syrian Resistance explored how Romantic ideals manifested beyond Western Europe, in the revolutionary actions of citizens in Syria. You can read his essay on the Keats-Shelley Memorial Association website here.

Aydin’s essay was shortlisted in March and he was invited to attend the Awards Ceremony in April, at 50 Albemarle Street, the former home and office of Lord Byron’s publisher, John Murray. This is where the final prize winners were to be announced.  

Entries were judged by Professor Sharon Ruston (Chair of Romanticism in the English Literature and Creative Writing department at the University of Lancaster) and Professor Simon Bainbridge (University of Lancaster). Tom Holland, writer and broadcaster, was this year’s Chair of Judges and presenter of the awards on the night. 

We are infinitely proud of Aydin’s achievement and can not wait to see what he may go on to write next, as he concludes his chapter at RGS this summer.