Malu Halasa

Moving and inspiring, Syria Speaks is testament to the courage, creativity and imagination of the Syrian people.

Art and Culture from the Frontline

Syria Speaks

Hussein's illegal pork business has started to cause some headaches, and not just because of his permanent hangovers-- the town is tired of the smell, a mujahid has arrived on his doorstep, his American niece is visiting, and his sister has joined the Syrian rebel cause, but worst of all, his sow is severely depressed

Mother of All Pigs

When W D Fard disappeared in 1934, Elijah Muhammad took over the helm as leader of the Nation of Islam. His following grew by millions, and he was responsible for cultivating one of the most daring and influential leaders of the 20 century, Malcolm X.

Elijah Muhammad

Mahsa Jina Amini's death at the hands of Iran's Morality Police on 16 September 2022 sparked widespread protests across the country. Women took to the streets, uncovering their hair, burning headscarves and chanting 'Woman, Life, Freedom' – 'Zan Zendegi Azadi' in Persian and 'Jin Jîyan Azadî' in Kurdish – in mass demonstrations. An explosion of creative resistance followed as art and photography shared online went viral and people around the world saw what was really going on in Iran. Woman Life Freedom captures this historic moment in artwork and first-person accounts. This striking collection goes behind-the-scenes at forbidden fashion shows; registers the sound of dissent in Iran, where it has been illegal for women to sing unaccompanied in public since 1979; and walks the streets of Tehran with 'The Smarties' – Gen Z women who colour and show their hair in defiance of the authorities, despite the potentially devastating consequences. Extolling the power of art, writing and body politics – both female and queer – this collection is both a universal rallying call and a celebration of the women the regime has tried and failed to silence. This is what protest looks like.

Voices and Art from the Women's Protests in Iran

Woman Life Freedom

Els van der Plas

Marlous Willemsen

Culture in Defiance

Creating Spaces of Freedom

Zaher Omareen

Nawara Mahfoud

In Syria, culture has become a critical line of defence against tyranny. Syria Speaks is a celebration of a people determined to reclaim their dignity, freedom and self-expression. It showcases the work of over fifty artists and writers who are challenging the culture of violence in Syria. Their literature, poems and songs, cartoons, political posters and photographs document and interpret the momentous changes that have shifted the frame of reality so drastically in Syria. Moving and inspiring, Syria Speaks is testament to the courage, creativity and imagination of the Syrian people. ‘Syria Speaks is a remarkable achievement and a remarkable book – a wise, courageous, imaginative and beautiful response to all that is ugly in human behaviour. This extraordinary anthology gives a voice to those we may have forgotten, or whom we may classify as simply passive and silent victims. The people shown living, dreaming and speaking here are far more than victims and only silent if we refuse to hear them.’ A.L. Kennedy ‘An extraordinary collection, revealing a dynamic and exciting culture in painful transition – a culture where artists are really making a difference ... You need to read this book.’ Brian Eno

Malu Halasa

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