Jalal Barzanji Writer in Exile 2007-2008

  By: Lion Chui

 

                

Jalal Barzanji’s desk is covered with scrap paper, notes scribbled during the  years he spent in an Iraqi prison. “Writing let me dream,” says Barzanji, Edmonton’s first Writer in Exile. “It let me fly, go out of prison and have hope.”

In September 2007 with the start of his one-year Writer-in-Exile term, Barzanji began transcribing his prison notes, recreating those long, tortuous years when he lived in a crowded cell, with 55 people in a space meant for 15. Once the manuscript is complete, it will be translated into English, and Barzanji is looking forward to having his prison story available to an international audience.

“I wrote about my daily feelings,” he says. “When I wrote I felt better. I had power.”

Several Edmonton organizations created The Writer in Exile program to support exiled writers living in Canada PEN Canada ُ. The Writers Guild of Alberta hosts the program. Sponsors and partners include the Edmonton Public Library, University of Alberta (Faculty of Arts), Edmonton Community Foundation, Canada Council, Edmonton Arts Council, Athabasca University, MacEwan College, Edmonton Journal and Edmonton LitFest.

In 1979, Barzanji published his first poetry collection, Dance of Evening Snow ,it was well received by Kurdish readers as a new work in a modern style and with a modern vision . he continued writing to make world more beautiful and more peaceful. The important part of writing  for Jalal has always been the freedom to write beyond rules and regulation.  That collection, along with his magazine articles. In 1985 he  published a second  book ( Can’t Get warm ) led to his arrest. After his release, Barzanji  knew the second arrest wouldn’t lead to jail time. “The next time, they took me,” he says, “I would be killed.” So far Barzanji has published five poetry books with great difficulty

Barzanji fled to Turkey, where the Canadian Embassy declared him a refugee and helped bring him and his family to Edmonton. As Writer in Exile, Barzanji is completing both his prison story and a new poetry collection. He is also working with other immigrant writers.

“In the first yea, like any other new comers, we faced barriers in adjusting to our new country .In 2ooo I established the Canadian Kurdish Friendship Association, I received (RISE AWARD) from Edmonton Mennonite centre For New comers.

“Finally, I have freedom, space and time,” to write he says.

If you are interested in meeting with Jalal Barzanji, First Writer –In- Exile calls 442-6310.


 

           

 

08/11/2007

 

goran@dengekan.com

 

dangakan@yahoo.ca