Two Syrian artists with very different stories, both creating poetry in exile in Jordan and Istanbul.
This episode is a special one with two parts. The first part comes from Zataari refugee camp in Jordan, with a poet called Nour al Hariri. Nour writes poetry and rap about human rights issues that are close to her heart – especially around women’s rights to education, the issue of child labour and of course, she writes about life in Zataari camp, where people have been living for up to nearly ten years now, with little chance of either returning or moving on to start their lives again. Noor reads two of her poems in Arabic (thanks to Ali for translating), including ‘We Walked To Build Our Dreams’, and then she talks us through why it’s so important for artists to document their own lived experience of forced migration.
The second part of the programme is with a poet, illustrator, and playwright originally from Syria, but now living in Turkey. He shares with us what it’s like a gay man seeking refuge – and it’s really great to get to talk to him, and hear his perspective. All refugees face discrimination, and systems of hostility – and are criminalised just for being refugees. But LGBT refugees have to put up with a little extra discrimination. And a particular lack of visibility.
We talk about what it’s like at the moment in Turkey as a refugee, about the LGBT scene there, whether it’s getting any easier for people to come out in the Middle East – and Omar reads two of his poems. One of which is in memory of his ex-boyfriend who was killed by ISIS, and who Omar credits with inspiring him to become an artist.
I wish I could share his details with you, but he prefers to stay under the radar just for now, until his situation stabilises a bit more. But if you’re interested in supporting or finding out more about LGBT refugees in Turkey, there’s a great project called the De-Otherize Dialogue Project: de-otherize.org
Also a big thanks to Mohammad Khalf for helping set up the interview with Nour – Mohammad is a photographer himself (@Mohammad.Khalf) and there’s quite a few artists – writers, photographers and film makers in Zaatari camp – one really beautiful short film by @younisalharaki just up on here on Instagram
If you can help amplify the voices of any of the poets featured in this series do get in contact with them – or drop me an email. And of course please do share this podcast with your friends or your social media networks. It really does mean a lot, and helps get the word out.
Thank you for all your support so far. And especially thanks to the Arts Council of Ireland for funding this podcast.
