People who live away from their original hometown are considered to have a Diasporic background.
When I was a kid, growing up in London, I had no idea I was Iraqi. It wasn't until my brother and I were older, the questions started stirring up and we decided it was time to figure it all out.
We got to learn of our culture even though we had never been there. Which brings me down to this, it would have been nice to get involved with a group of British-Iraqis while growing up in the United Kingdom.
Meeting people with the similar Diaspora, but different background stories, would have been quit the experience. With my research I have found some welcoming places in the UK, which promotes us British-Iraqis to come together and represent.
London Kurd. - http://www.londonkurd.blogspot.com/
Iraqi Association. - http://www.iraqiassociation.org/index.html
This website is based on a charity association held in the United Kingdom, focusing on Iraqis. The charity deals with 10,000 cases on average every year. It brings in people who have, in unfortunate events, been apart of war, rape, torture, and more. It encourages and helps many of them overcome their constant fears of death.
This intentions of this charity are clear, it is shown to be welcoming, and trustworthy. I respect the involvement, effort and time they clearly spend on the charity. Many of them participate by creating events, flyers, spreading the word and involving their users. For many of the Iraqis who turn to this charity, see it less as a place of charity and more of a home of safety.
A Family in Baghdad. - http://afamilyinbaghdad.blogspot.com/
A mother, and her three sons, share their views on the situation on Iraq. They tell true stories, some they have heard of and some they have experienced. They have been updating this blog since 2007 and still are, I have now added them to our list by 'following' their blog page. I hope you all find it as interesting as I do.
Thank you,
Suzanne Darkan
The fact that you found out you were Iraqi after you were older is a difficult situation, but also the fact that you always remained interested and decided to be a part of the Iraqi Diaspora while living in the United Kingdom, is the best thing you could to your country at this point. I really like your second website, it is different than the rest, it is also good that these people tortured, raped, and more are given the opportunity to express themselves and overcome their fears and to be aware that they have people on their side is just great.
ReplyDeleteTalar Kazanjian
mohammed Dhaifallah
ReplyDeleteI like the site you chose about charities in the UK for Iraqi citizens who have had hard experiences. The two blogs you have chosen is a good idea, because it shows real life stories told by people who have experienced issues themselves, it gives you a closer feel to the situation placed in Iraq, by people who are just like you and me.
Suzanne,
ReplyDeleteThe second source you used, I believe is very beneficial, it does draw attention and bring Iraqi people together, who have similar diasporic backgrounds, they can relate to eachother and share stories. After looking through the blogs you have chosen I got a clearer idea on the actual situation in Iraq instead of what we read and hear on the news.
Nawar Al Akawi
Really interesting how we had the same site!!!
ReplyDeleteI can honestly say that it's incredible how caring and hard working they seem to be (The organization/association I mean).
You commented on my entry saying that the most interesting part that the Iraqi Association is located in Europe. And knowing that it's Europe, it's rare.
When it comes to knowing who you are, and wanting to know where you come from. I completely relate to it. There comes a time when curiosity really gets to me!
I love your entry! Thank you!
Sarah Al Shaybani