The Rugmaker of Mazar-E-Sharif

Rugmaker Essay - Identity Essay Question - Analyse how an idea is developed in a text you are studying.

In the text, The Rugmaker of Mazar-e-Sharif an autobiography by Najaf Mazari and Robert Hillman, the main character, Najaf Mazari, through the tests and trails he faces in his life, develops the idea of identity. The idea of identity is a major issue for Najaf and is most apparent at times in Afghanistan, his time in the refugee camp of Woomera and even to the time when he is accepted into Australia where he struggles to adapt to the new culture. In all three locations in which the text is set Najaf faces key ideas or problems, which in turn shape his identity. In Afghanistan, Najaf faces the insecurity of his homeland, the constant conflict and how his ethnicity and religion see the persecution of his race by the Taliban. In Woomera, Najaf no longer faces war on a daily basis, however many new problems arise. These included his feeling of having no identity within the centre, the uncertainty he feels around waiting for his visa to accepted or denied and his actions in times of racial tension within the centre. Finally, in Australia, he still grapples with issues around who he is and struggles to find a purpose in his life. In addition, Najaf's identity is challenged by his friendlessness and his struggles in adapting to the Australian culture. In Afghanistan, Najaf's identity is developed heavily; this occurs mostly because of the conflict that is all around him as he grows up. Najaf grew up in a time of serious unrest in Afghanistan, where the communist Russians were trying to gain power over the country and were meeting fierce opposition by the rebel fighters of the Mujahedeen. It was this conflict that caused the death of two family members in a stray rocket attack and left Najaf living a life of fear where he always finds himself