October Newsletter 2024: Colours Of Nostalgia- Stories That Warm The Heart

This October, we bring you stories that evoke the warmth of home, resilience, creativity, and personal growth wrapped in the rich colours of nostalgia. Whether it's the scent of Syrian pies that brings back memories of a pre-war homeland, the triumph of refugee athletes overcoming adversity at the Paralympics, or the rich memories and emotions captured in an artist’s works—these stories remind us that even in the midst of change, our past shapes who we become.

A Taste of Syria in the Netherlands

Tasar Isskreah left Syria with little more than memories, fleeing the violence that tore through her homeland. She carried with her the scents and sounds of her past—jasmine, Turkish coffee, and the songs of Fayrouz. She fondly recalls the bustling streets and the smell of her mother’s pies, baked in a clay furnace and shared with neighbours.

"That smell is still in my nose," she says. It’s a memory that grounds her, even as her life took a sharp turn far from home.

In the Netherlands, Tasar faced a new world with unfamiliar customs, a different language, and the challenge of starting over. With resilience, she found her way. As a mother of teenage twins, she knew the importance of keeping her children connected to their Syrian roots while helping them embrace Dutch culture—a constant balancing act that required strength and adaptability.

In an effort to process her own experiences and share her story, Tasar wrote her book, “The Golden Scars of My Heart.” The book reflects on the pain of displacement, the loss of her homeland, and the strength it took to start over in a foreign land. It speaks to the challenges faced by many refugees—particularly mothers—who strive to preserve their cultural identity while creating a new life in a different country.

Tasar’s love for her heritage inspired her to start "Tasar Pies," blending Syrian ingredients like thyme and muhammara with Dutch culinary traditions. Baking pies became her way to stay connected to her roots while sharing a piece of Syria with her new community. Each pie takes her back to her mother’s kitchen, where the scent of freshly baked bread symbolised love, generosity, and home.

Through Qisetna, Tasar has been able to share her story with a broader audience, keeping the cultural heritage she cherishes alive and vibrant.?To explore more about Tasar's journey, read her full story "The Smell of Nostalgia" here.

From Displacement to Triumph: The Refugee Paralympic Story

Qisetna applauds the incredible achievements of the Refugee Paralympic Team at the Paris 2024 Games. The event was a true celebration of resilience and determination, as the team of eight athletes and one guide runner competed in six sports, securing two historic bronze medals—one in Para taekwondo and another in the T11 400m event. Beyond the podium, their performances were a powerful symbol of hope for over 120 million displaced people worldwide.?

As Zakia Khudadadi, the flag bearer carrying the IPC flag at the closing ceremony, so beautifully expressed, “Today I am a positive symbol and a symbol of strength for all the refugees in the world.”

Their remarkable journey serves as a reminder of the strength and hope that can emerge from even the most challenging circumstances.

Celebrating Qisetna's Volunteers:

Spotlight on the Creative Journey of Our Volunteer - Prachi Gothi

Prachi Gothi is the Marketing & Communications Coordinator at Qisetna, as well as a practising artist. Born and raised in Mumbai, she completed her Masters of Fine Art at Chelsea College of Art & Design, London, in 2010. Now based in London, Prachi’s artwork bridges reality and imagination, drawing from themes of daydreams, nostalgia, and the emotional depth found in solitude.

"I primarily work with acrylic on canvas and oil pastels, creating fluid, layered compositions that allow hidden objects and narratives to emerge gradually. My paintings often feature familiar forms and silhouetted figures, exploring the delicate interplay between what is seen and what is concealed."

Prachi’s connection to painting dreamscapes began in childhood, when she found comfort in the world of storybooks. "Revisiting storytime with my son reignited my love for enchanted realms. Through my work, I aim to evoke a sense of nostalgia and invite viewers to reflect on their own memories and connection with nature." Her art is a blend of figuration and abstraction, seeking to transport viewers into a dreamlike space where the boundaries between reality and imagination blur.

Prachi's latest exhibition opens on 30th October in Notting Hill, London. For more information and to RSVP, follow her journey on Instagram @prachigothi or or visit her website at www.prachigothi.com.