A friend of the People’s Library who studies horticulture recently told us that she believes the Afghan Tulip to be the most beautiful flower in the world. While many Europeans associate this exquisite bloom with the Netherlands, it’s native to Afghanistan and fields of tulips can be seen for miles across its countryside. The tulip is a symbol of love and purity, qualities prized in Afghan culture, so it’s no surprise that it was chosen as the national flower. It’s a gift from Afghanistan to Britain that’s become part of our culture.
It's not the only one.
In the first two decades of the 21st century, the British army committed to a major combat operation in Afghanistan. Even to those who questioned the operation, the courage of the troops was admirable. So was the courage of the civilian interpreters who stood at their sides.
Linguists have frequently had a vital part to play in global conflicts, and in Afghanistan the British armed forces leaned heavily on the cool-headed professionalism of Afghan natives working as military interpreters. These people stood shoulder to shoulder with our troops, acting as intermediaries between their countrymen and the military. Year after year, countless lives were saved by people who walked in the shadow of gunfire but carried no guns themselves. Is there anything braver or more selfless?
The withdrawal of British troops brought safety concerns for military interpreters, and many have now relocated to this country. In South Wales, they’ve joined a thriving and talented community of Afghan women and men who have embraced Welsh life and added their own warmth and vibrancy to it.
On June 21st we’ll celebrate these citizens of Wales at a cultural event at the Swansea Grand Theatre.
We’ll celebrate Afghan traditions at the launch of an exhibition showcasing the best of the country’s art and culture. From June 21st to July 21st this exhibition, at the Grand Theatre Multicultural Hub studio, will offer visitors an insight into a fascinating country.
We’ll celebrate the courage of military interpreters who, in risking their lives to keep our troops safe, made a greater contribution to our way of life before even setting foot on British soil than most of us ever will.
We’ll celebrate the qualities that the Afghan Tulip symbolises; the love of friends and family and the purity of commitment to the community that distinguishes the Afghan people who have settled in Swansea.
And we’ll celebrate the launch of the Afghanistan Wales Society, a newly formed group that unites our friends from Afghanistan in their support for each other and their love of their new home.
Join us at the Multimedia Suite on the frst floor of the Swansea Grand Theatre on Wednesday June 21st to eat, drink, share in our stories and learn more about this group of people and the value they are adding to Welsh life. The launch event will be held from 2pm to 4pm and will feature presentations and talks on Afghan culture and, of course, refreshments. Email us at hello@peopleslibrary.co.uk to find out more.
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