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Suhrab Sirat | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | 1990 Balkh Province, Afghanistan |
| Nationality | Afghan-British |
| Occupation(s) | Poet, Journalist, Lyricist, Former Civil Society Activist |
| Years active | 2009–present |
| Notable work |
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Suhrab Sirat (born 1990 in Balkh Province, Afghanistan) is an Afghan-British poet, journalist, lyricist, and former civil society activist. He has published several collections of Persian poetry and a pamphlet of English-language poetry. His works focus on themes of displacement, war, and identity, influenced by his experiences of exile. He currently works for the BBC World Service.
Early Life and Education
[edit]Suhrab Sirat was born in 1990 in Balkh Province, Afghanistan. From a young age, he was drawn to poetry and began writing during his teenage years. At the age of 19, he published his first collection of Persian poems through the Balkh Independent Writers Association. His early works explore the personal and political challenges faced by Afghan society, particularly regarding war, displacement, and identity. In 2013, Sirat fled Afghanistan after receiving death threats from extremist groups. He sought political asylum in the United Kingdom in 2014, an experience that profoundly shaped his writing.[1]
Suhrab Sirat has published several collections of Persian poetry in Afghanistan and has gained recognition within literary circles in Afghanistan, Iran and Tajikistan. In Britain, hispoetry has been featured in prestigious publications such as The Spectator, Ambit, and Modern Poetry in Translation. His work was also showcased on BBC Radio 4’s On Form series.[2]
In 2021, Sirat first English-language pamphlet, co-translated by British poet Aviva Dautch and was published by Exiled Writers Ink in London. This collection reflects his experiences as an exiled poet and refugee.[3][4]
His Persian-language poetry collections include
[edit]- Jealous Thorns (خارهای حسود)
- The Bird is Not Far Away to Return (دوری پرنده نیست که برگردد)
- Kissing the Bee (بوسیدن زنبور عسل)
- Yawning in the Shroud (خمیازه در کفن)
Several of his poems have been translated into English, expanding his readership and introducing his voice to a broader international audience. His poetry often examines themes of belonging, forced migration, loss, and resilience.[5]
Themes and Influence
[edit]Sirat's poetry delves into topics such as displacement, identity, war, and the resilience of the human spirit. He also addresses significant social issues, including patriarchy, religious extremism, and women's rights. As a lyricist, Sirat has contributed to Afghan music, notably writing for Afghanistan's first female rapper, Soosan Firooz. His lyrics critique societal norms and often advocate for women's rights.[6]
Public Engagements
[edit]In 2013, Sirat represented Afghanistan at the Rio International Literary Festival (FLUPP), where he presented his poetry to an international audience. He continues to be an active voice in the literary world, participating in various events, including the 2022 London Book Fair, where he spoke on the role of writers during times of war.[7] He has also participated in discussions at the Literature House in Trondheim.[8]
Journalism Career
[edit]Sirat works as a journalist for the BBC World Service, where he focuses on covering topics related to art, literature, and refugee issues. His journalistic work highlights the plight of refugees and marginalized communities around the world, drawing from his personal background as an exiled poet.[9]
Selected Publications and Features
[edit]- The Eighth Crossing (Pamphlet, 2021)[4]
- Poems featured in The Spectator, Ambit, and Modern Poetry in Translation[10]
- BBC Radio 4’s On Form series[2]
Recognition
[edit]Sirat's contributions to poetry and journalism have garnered significant recognition. His translations into English have helped bring his voice to a global audience, and his work continues to resonate with readers, particularly those in exile or impacted by war and migration.[11]
References
[edit]- ^ "Suhrab Sirat". Modern Poetry in Translation. Retrieved 20 October 2024.
- ^ a b "On Form". On Form. BBC Radio 4. Retrieved 20 October 2024.
- ^ "Suhrab Sirat". Exiled Writers Ink. 11 January 2016. Retrieved 20 October 2024.
- ^ a b "The Eighth Crossing by Suhrab Sirat". Waterstones. Retrieved 20 October 2024.
- ^ "Modern Poetry in Translation: Suhrab Sirat". Retrieved 20 October 2024.
- ^ "Afghanistan's first female rapper fights back". The Guardian. Retrieved 20 October 2024.
- ^ "PEN Centres During Times of War - Suhrab Sirat at the London Book Fair". London Book Fair. Retrieved 20 October 2024.
- ^ "A Conversation with Suhrab Sirat: Eight Crossing". Literature House Trondheim. Retrieved 20 October 2024.
- ^ "BBC Feature on Afghan Journalist Suhrab Sirat". BBC. Retrieved 20 October 2024.
- ^ "Wound-I-Stan by Suhrab Sirat". The Spectator. Retrieved 20 October 2024.
- ^ "Suhrab Sirat on Modern Poetry in Translation". Modern Poetry in Translation. Retrieved 20 October 2024.
External Links
[edit]- Modern Poetry in Translation: Suhrab Sirat
- The Guardian: Suhrab Sirat on Afghan female hip-hop
- BBC Feature on Suhrab Sirat
- Waterstones: The Eighth Crossing