Sherko Fatah grew up in East Berlin. In 1975 the family left for Vienna - eventually settling in West Berlin, where Fatah studied philosophy and art history.

In 2001 he published his debut novel Im Grenzland. For his narrative work Fatah has been the recipient of numerous awards. Most recently, he was awarded the Adelbert-von-Chamisso-Preis for his complete work, in particular for his recent novel Der letzte Ort.

Sherko Fatah lives as freelance writer in Berlin. He is a member of the PEN Center Germany.