Qisetna: Talking Syria
A non-political platform for Syrians and people who have a close connection, preserving the cultural & oral heritage of Syria, one story at a time. We are dedicated to building an active, supportive community across the world, helping to connect Syrians living in Europe and beyond, with others who have also left their home country.
With stories from the narrow alleys of Old Damascus to the cotton fields of Deir Ezzor, Qisetna is at the frontier of Syrian arts and culture, a place where ordinary people write about their precious memories and so reclaim their cultural identity.
Qisetna touches people from New York and Stockholm to Cairo and Tokyo, sharing not only Syria’s ancient oral heritage – the art of hakawati (storytelling) – but also the most recent works of its contemporary artists.
The stories here have become an important archive of Syrian experience which has been recognised by the Community Archive and Heritage Group of the Year award in 2017.
Qisetna’s work includes storytelling workshops for young people in Syria and Turkey, UK storytelling workshops to share culture and build community and appearances at the Scottish International Storytelling Festival.
Project Details
Location: United Kingdom, Syria, Northern Europe, Middle East, Europe, Asia
Organiser(s):
Qisetna
Project partner(s): University College London, Department of Information Studies
Funder(s):
UNESCO
Funding received: n/a
Commencement Date: 12/2014
Project Status: Active
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