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Hakan Nawabi (Persian: هاکان نوابی, born July 31, 1990) is an Afghan-Canadian freelance journalist, writer, entrepreneur, and blogger. From August 2011 to December 2014, Nawabi served as a Press Officer, Protocol Officer, and Executive Assistant for the Embassy of Afghanistan in New Delhi, India. He is recognized for his contributions to quotations on themes such as peace, stability, unity, love, and friendship.[1] Nawabi's father, Massoud Nawabi, was a renowned Afghan poet, writer, school principal, and cultural figure. He was recognized as one of Afghanistan's most prominent cultural personalities in 2011 for his contributions throughout the educational and cultural sectors. Nawabi is also the grandson of Ghulam Habib Nawabi, a notable Dari poet known for introducing modern Dari and Persian poetry in Afghanistan.
Hakan Nawabi | |
|---|---|
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| Native name | هاکان نوابی |
| Born | Hakan Nawabi July 31, 1990 Kabul, Afghanistan |
| Occupation | Writer-author, Freelance Journalist, Entrepreneur |
| Nationality | Afghan-Canadian |
| Education | Journalism, India |
| Genre | English, Persian, Dari, |
| Years active | 2009 – present |
| Notable awards | UNHCR's Best Speech Award, 2004, Best Story Award, 2001. Awards of Excellence from Embassy of Afghanistan, 2012 and 2014. |
| Spouse |
Arezo Nawabi (m. 2012) |
| Children | 3 |
| Relatives | Massoud Nawabi (father) |
| Website | |
| hakanmassoudnavabi | |
Early Life and Background
editHakan was born in Kabul, Afghanistan, as the elder of two children in a family deeply rooted in Afghan cultural and literary traditions. His father, Massoud Nawabi, was a prominent poet, writer, educator, and cultural figure who played a significant role in the educational landscape of Afghanistan. He was honored as one of Afghanistan’s leading cultural personalities in 2011 for his contributions to promoting literacy and the arts (Massoud Nawabi, Wikipedia).
Hakan’s early childhood was spent in Kabul, where he experienced the rich tapestry of Afghan culture and literature firsthand. In 1996, the family relocated to Islamabad, Pakistan, amid escalating conflict in Afghanistan. In Islamabad, Massoud Nawabi founded the Ghulam Habib Nawabi School and the Educational Committee for Afghan Refugees (ECAR), institutions designed to provide educational opportunities for Afghan refugees, sustaining the educational aspirations of Afghan children displaced by conflict (Afghan Refugees in Pakistan).
In January 2010, tragedy struck when Massoud Nawabi passed away from a heart attack. At the age of 20, Hakan faced the profound loss of his father, whose funeral was attended by numerous admirers, including poets, writers, and government officials, highlighting his father’s significant impact on the community (Massoud Nawabi, Wikipedia).
Following this loss, Hakan worked as an interpreter and news analyst for IBEX Groups, a private telecommunications company in Islamabad. His experiences during this period informed his understanding of the media landscape and the importance of accurately representing Afghan issues. In 2011, seeking new opportunities, Hakan relocated to India with his mother and younger brother, Jamshed.
Career
editFrom August 2011 to December 2014, Hakan served at the Embassy of Afghanistan in New Delhi, India. In his roles as Press Officer, Protocol Officer, and Executive Assistant, he gained valuable insights into international relations, diplomacy, and the complex dynamics affecting Afghanistan and its diaspora. His work involved managing communications and engaging with various stakeholders to promote Afghanistan’s cultural and political interests (Embassy of Afghanistan, New Delhi).
In addition to his diplomatic work, Hakan has established himself as a freelance journalist. He has contributed to numerous publications in both Dari and English, covering a wide array of topics such as social justice, human rights, and cultural narratives. His writings often explore the complexities of Afghan identity, examining the historical context of Afghanistan’s struggles and achievements.
Hakan’s journalistic contributions have appeared in various formats, including newspapers, magazines, blogs, and online platforms. He emphasizes themes that resonate with the Afghan diaspora and global audiences, fostering discussions on unity, cultural heritage, and the importance of community.
Literary Contributions
editHakan’s literary work is heavily influenced by the legacy of his father and grandfather, Ghulam Habib Nawabi, a noted Dari poet celebrated for his modern interpretations of Dari and Persian poetry. Hakan’s writing engages with themes of identity, resilience, and the human experience, allowing him to articulate complex emotions and social issues, which has earned him recognition within literary circles.
Hakan has authored various articles and essays that contribute to a growing body of literature aimed at illuminating the Afghan experience. His works often bridge cultural divides and foster a greater understanding of Afghanistan’s rich history and contemporary challenges. Selected works include:
• “The Voice of the Afghan Diaspora” - an exploration of identity in the diaspora.
• “Cultural Resilience: The Afghan Story” - an analysis of Afghan cultural heritage and its impact on identity.
Hakan has received several accolades for his work, reflecting his commitment to cultural discourse and advocacy:
• UNHCR’s Best Speech Award (2004)
• UNHCR’s Best Story Award (2001)
• Awards of Excellence from the Embassy of Afghanistan in 2012 and 2014
These awards signify his dedication to his craft and the impact of his contributions to Afghan culture and journalism.
Personal Life
editHakan married Arezo Nawabi in 2012, and the couple has three children. They currently reside in Canada, where Hakan continues to engage with issues pertinent to Afghanistan and the Afghan community abroad. His personal experiences as a refugee and member of the diaspora inform his writing and advocacy work, allowing him to serve as a bridge between cultures.
Hakan is known for his reflections on unity and compassion, encapsulated in one of his notable quotes:
“It doesn’t matter from which ethnicity you belong; but always be like a bounded body and never let anyone suffer in pain. Let’s throw hate away. Let’s all think for just five minutes; what will happen if we are disunited and united?!”
Conclusion
editHakan remains a significant voice in journalism and cultural advocacy, navigating the intersections of literature, social justice, and the Afghan experience. His commitment to fostering dialogue around peace and unity is informed by his personal experiences and the broader historical context of Afghanistan. Through his multifaceted career, Hakan continues to inspire and advocate for a better understanding of Afghan culture and issues on the global stage.
Further reading
edit• Massoud Nawabi (Wikipedia)
• Culture of Afghanistan (Wikipedia)
• UNHCR - United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
• Afghan Diaspora (Wikipedia)
• Educational Committee for Afghan Refugees - An overview of initiatives to support Afghan education.
References
edit- ^ "Death of Ustad Massoud Nawabi is a big loss to Afghanistan". turklar.com. Archived from the original on March 28, 2012. Retrieved July 26, 2011.