Sleepless in Sudan

      This entry will be entirely devoted to Sudan, my place of birth and the country that seems to be very misunderstood and misjudged. I have decided to write this particular post because I feel that the truth behind Sudan is often neglected and it gives me the impression that it is of little importance to the majority people. I also think that this post is relevant because Sudan played a big role for my development regarding the English language.
       The media seems to portray Sudan in a somewhat ‘hell on earth’. Yes, Sudan certainly has political issues ranging from the civil war between the southerners and northern African-Arabs and the day-to-day accusations and imprisonments of innocent civilians that voice their opinions. Most recently the split of Southern Sudan from the North has been highlighted by the news and surprisingly it has generated great interest globally.  Personally, I have always believed that the southerners deserved a land of their own because even at a young age I could see that just because they are black, they are immediately labeled as ‘scums’ or even ‘criminals’. Growing up, I was always told not discriminate but in Sudan, racism can be seen on a daily basis. It is quiet pathetic and sad at the same time to think that Sudanese people discriminate each other! One day, I hope to see a big change in how people treat each other, not just in Sudan but perhaps all over this planet.

            When asked where I am from, I receive many “wow really” and “are you sure you are not mixed” reactions from people. This is due to the fact that quiet often people portray Sudanese people as very dark. My cousin is actually even lighter than I am and she has had people asking her if she is Russian. I can guarantee you that I am 100% percent pure Sudanese although if I were to trace back my origin a hundred years ago, I can tell you that I am I am off Turkish and Egyptian heritage. My great grandparents, according to my parents migrated to north Sudan hundreds of years ago to explore oil and gold in northern region. Not many people are aware of the fact that Sudan has its own pyramids. Although they are not as big and historical looking as the ones in Egypt, they are nonetheless pyramids and carry mind-blowing rocks full of ancient myths and religious stories behind them. I have always wondered why Sudan does not attract as many tourists as Egypt. I have come to the conclusion that we should blame the media. The media has always given Sudan this malicious image of barbaric soldiers committing atrocious crimes and factually talking this is true to a very small extent. I am neither a Politian nor a historian but what I can clarify from my own personal experience from living in Sudan is that if Holland is rated a 10 for safety, I would rate Sudan a solid 6.  

I will end this blog with pictures that remind me of my country, enjoy!

Sudanese pyramids

A Sudanese refugee with alluring eyes

Khartoum at night



Darfur

  

Native Sudanese women