Notes on Najaf Mazari and Robert Hillman's The Rugmaker of Mazar-e-Sharif
The Rugmaker of Mazar –e – Sharif
Chapter 1: Singing in the Wilderness
Najaf is behind a barbed wire fence at the Woomera Detention Centre in South Australia. Heartsick he is weighed down by anxiety. He recalls a folk song of his native land and begins to sing it softly. (Powerful image)
Discussion Points:
• The first month of the Afghani New Year is named, ‘Hamal’. What does this word mean in English?
• Perhaps you could use an Afghani folk song for some of your backing track?
• Consider the symbolism of the flowers mentioned in Najaf’s song?
Chapter 2: Fire in the Night
We return to Afghanistan in the year 1985. Najaf and his family are living in the northern Afghan city of Mazar – e – Sharif having moved from the small village of Shar Shar. Najaf and his family become innocent victims of a bungled assassination attempt on the President of Afghanistan. Two high explosive Mujahedin rockets strike the family home, killing Najaf’s younger brother and brother – in- law. Najaf, his mother, and his older brother are seriously wounded. (Powerful image)
Chapter 3: Shoes
In this chapter we learn that Afghanistan has been involved in almost continual conflict for most of its history. Google ‘current conflict’ in Afghanistan. (This may help you to develop some empathy for Najaf and his plight).
Chapter 4: Lambs and Wolves
We return to Afghanistan in the year 1979. Najaf is 8 years old. The Soviet Union has invaded Afghanistan in support of the communist government in Kabul, precipitating a civil war. Najaf’s father has died, but life in the village of Shar Shar continues as it has for centuries.
Chapter 5: The Room of Questions
Even with the assistance of a translator and an advocate from the Afghani community, Najaf finds his third interview in Woomera confusing.
Discussion Points:
• What reasons does Najaf have for fearing the interview process?
• Najaf says that “lies are a form of theft”.
Chapter 1: Singing in the Wilderness
Najaf is behind a barbed wire fence at the Woomera Detention Centre in South Australia. Heartsick he is weighed down by anxiety. He recalls a folk song of his native land and begins to sing it softly. (Powerful image)
Discussion Points:
• The first month of the Afghani New Year is named, ‘Hamal’. What does this word mean in English?
• Perhaps you could use an Afghani folk song for some of your backing track?
• Consider the symbolism of the flowers mentioned in Najaf’s song?
Chapter 2: Fire in the Night
We return to Afghanistan in the year 1985. Najaf and his family are living in the northern Afghan city of Mazar – e – Sharif having moved from the small village of Shar Shar. Najaf and his family become innocent victims of a bungled assassination attempt on the President of Afghanistan. Two high explosive Mujahedin rockets strike the family home, killing Najaf’s younger brother and brother – in- law. Najaf, his mother, and his older brother are seriously wounded. (Powerful image)
Chapter 3: Shoes
In this chapter we learn that Afghanistan has been involved in almost continual conflict for most of its history. Google ‘current conflict’ in Afghanistan. (This may help you to develop some empathy for Najaf and his plight).
Chapter 4: Lambs and Wolves
We return to Afghanistan in the year 1979. Najaf is 8 years old. The Soviet Union has invaded Afghanistan in support of the communist government in Kabul, precipitating a civil war. Najaf’s father has died, but life in the village of Shar Shar continues as it has for centuries.
Chapter 5: The Room of Questions
Even with the assistance of a translator and an advocate from the Afghani community, Najaf finds his third interview in Woomera confusing.
Discussion Points:
• What reasons does Najaf have for fearing the interview process?
• Najaf says that “lies are a form of theft”.