In Syria, culture has become the critical line of defence against tyranny. Villagers have joined the cultural frontline alongside urban intellectuals, artists, writers and filmmakers and to create art and literature that challenge official narratives. With contributions by over fifty artists and writers, both established and emerging, Syria Speaks explores the explosion of creativity and free expression by the Syrian people. They have become their own publishers on the Internet and formed anonymous artists collectives which are actively working in their country's war zones. The art and writing featured in this book, including literature, poems and songs as well as cartoons, political posters and photographs, document and interpret the momentous changes that have shifted the frame of reality so drastically in Syria.

About the Author
Malu Halasa co-curated three exhibitions of Syria's art of resistance in London, Amsterdam and Copenhagen in 2012 and 2013. Her other works include 'The Secret Life of Syrian Lingerie'. Zaher Omareen is a Syrian writer, who has worked on independent cultural initiatives in Syria and Britain. He is currently completing 'Tales of the Orontes River', a collection of short stories. Nawara Mahfoud is a Syrian journalist and documentary producer who has worked for the New York Times. She blogs for the New Yorker.com, among other publications.

Reviews
'An invaluable and deeply moving testimony to resistance ... this work clamours for liberty and turns its back not only on tyranny but on religious division' Boyd Tonkin, Independent 'Essential reading for anyone interested in human rights or a better understanding of the current conflict - Syria Speaks pays tribute to many extraordinary acts of courage and shines a light on the dark deeds of a brutal regime' Independent on Sunday 'The impact [the images] have on the page makes one imagine how much the originals unsettled the Syrian government - Syria Speaks tells us with inspirational force how the Syrians have found the ability to speak out' TLS 'Vivid, often funny and moving' The Tablet 'A remarkable book - a wise, courageous, imaginative and beautiful response to all that is ugly in human behaviour. This extraordinary anthology gives a voice to those we may have forgotten, or whom we may classify as simply passive and silent victims. The people shown living, dreaming and speaking here are far more than victims and only silent if we refuse to hear them.' A. L. Kennedy 'An extraordinary collection, revealing a dynamic and exciting culture in painful transition - a culture where artists are really making a difference ... You need to read this book.' Brian Eno 'Filled with treasures' Publishing Perspectives 'The courage of Syria's artistic community is featured in Syria Speaks' Kirsty Lang, Front Row BBC R4 'People will be blown away by this book - a wonderful volume - Extraordinary' The Culture Studio, BBC Radio Scotland 'A really emotive quite incredible book - a book full of surprises' BBC Radio Oxford



Book Information
ISBN 9780863567872
Author Malu Halasa
Format Paperback
Page Count 328
Imprint Saqi Books
Publisher Saqi Books
Weight(grams) 499g
Dimensions(mm) 210mm * 148mm * 23mm