In the Arab world, the “dīwān” (a word of Persian origin) is a place for listening to music, poetry and literary exchanges. Like campfires, it enabled stories, traditions and cultures to be passed on orally.
In Arabic, Persian, Ottoman and Urdu, “Diwan” is also used to denote a collection of poems. In Breton, it’s quite different. “Diwan” means a germ, a young shoot, a presentiment of something growing with the rhythm of life. And that’s what we want to embody through these exchanges.

Diwân is a unique and transformative space designed to foster meaningful conversations that challenge stereotypes and break down prejudices through open dialogue, grounded in humanist values. Inspired by traditional spaces for storytelling, poetry, and cultural exchange, Diwân serves as a living library where personal experiences and insights come to life.

In this dynamic environment, our “human books”—volunteers with rich, personal experiences on topics that are often misunderstood or rarely discussed—share their stories with readers eager to understand different perspectives. Diwân embraces the tradition of oral transmission and cultural sharing, creating a safe and respectful space where difficult questions are not just welcomed but encouraged.

At the Diwân, we believe in the power of dialogue to bridge divides and foster a deeper, more compassionate understanding of the human experience. Our mission is to build a community where diversity, equity, and inclusion are championed, and where the courage to ask, listen, and learn leads to personal and collective growth. By engaging with diverse voices and upholding humanist values of empathy, respect, and mutual understanding, Diwân helps individuals connect and explore topics that might otherwise remain hidden in silence.

Through these enriching conversations, Diwân aims to celebrate differences, promote inclusivity, and cultivate a more compassionate society.