As an architect, my work extends beyond building construction projects. I am deeply committed to addressing urban challenges by creating spaces that bring people together and serve communities. My passion for human-centred design led me to explore the exciting field of “placemaking”. I am excited to share my experiences and insights in this area and...
Silenced Voices: Indigenous Communities in Peru
Peru is home to 55 indigenous communities that reside in various locations such as the Andes and remote areas of the jungle. Interestingly, these communities use 48 different words to say ‘Hello’. Despite their unique culture and traditional practices, these communities are often portrayed in advertisements to attract tourists. However, it remains unclear whether the...
Homophobia at the Finnish Presidential Election?
Homophobia at the Finnish Presidential Election? Last Sunday, Finland had elected its 13th president. The National Coalition party candidate Alexander Stubb and the Green Party candidate Pekka Haavisto proceeded to the second round of elections. Both are experienced politicians with strong backgrounds in foreign policy. It was clear that the race was going to be...
From Iran to Community Organiser at SU
In pursuit of my dream of becoming an event designer and organiser, I moved to London, the city of my dreams, less than six months ago. One month after my arrival, I found a job as a community organiser, which was as easy as finding a needle in a Haystack. I’m talking about waiting in...
An Italian-Ghanaian Story of Akan Culture
As a girl with Italian-Ghanaian heritage growing up in Europe, I have experienced first-hand the harmful stereotypes and misconceptions surrounding Africa. It’s disheartening to see how many people are uneducated about the continent’s rich cultural history and how media coverage often perpetuates negative narratives that focus on slavery and pain. However, it’s important to recognise...
Model United Nations (MUN)
What is Model UN? Model UN is a comprehensive educational program that offers students an opportunity to experience the United Nations and learn about diplomacy, international relations, and global awareness. Normally, high school or university students participate in MUN by role-playing as delegates to the United Nations and simulating UN committees. These conferences are organised...
Nowruz
Despite being born and raised in London, as an Iranian, I grew up celebrating Nowruz with my family every year. Nowruz (including alternative spellings such as Norouz, Navruz etc.) is a New Year’s celebration welcoming the Spring Equinox. Nowruz is celebrated by Iranians, Kurds, Azeris, Tajiks, Afghans and many other cultures around the world where...
Ramadan: Sacred Month of Spiritual Reflection
The month of Ramadan in the Islamic calendar is observed by Muslims worldwide as a sacred month of reflection. Its history dates back more than 1,400 years to the time of Prophet Muhammad, who received the first verses of the Quran during this month. The word “Ramadan” itself comes from an Arabic root meaning “intense...
Istanbul field trip: a treasure for a very long time
Walking around Istanbul, it’s hard not to feel connected to the incredibly diverse history which has moulded this city. Coexisting around every corner are elements of Byzantine and Ottoman, traditional and modern, secular and religious, reminiscent of the various positions the city has held over the years. While Istanbul, and particularly its port, has continued...
Field Trip to Turkey: demystify the common perceptions
On the 23rd of November, my classmates and I embarked on a transformative journey to Istanbul, Turkey, marking the beginning of an immersive exploration into the vibrant tapestry of its culture, culinary delights, and the warmth of its people. However, the trip also granted us the unique privilege of engaging with distinguished academic professionals from...
Misconceptions of Turkey
I had always wanted to visit Turkey, which I had seen as the “Paris for Muslims” in some sense. However, I had some misconceptions about the country being conservative due to its secular nature. Upon visiting, I was pleasantly surprised to find out that my assumptions were wrong. The country is stunning and one of...
Politics and Development in the Middle East
The fourth and last part of the module, “Politics and Development in the Middle East”, highlighted the developmental prospects for countries in the Middle East. We have discovered a whole spectrum of factors that actively contribute to the region’s (un)even development (Friedman 2006: 32). Abundant evidence shows that the international world order has been the...