Private Story
The Longing Of The Stranger Whose Path Has Been Broken
Since the end of the Israeli war in 1973 and retrieval of the Sinai land by 1982, most archives about Sinai have been stored in the St. Catherine’s monastery; one of the oldest monasteries in the world protected by Muslim Bedouin communities of seven tribes called Tawara طوّرة. In accordance with the Egyptian government, the archival data in the monastery are prohibited to be accessed - withholding the history of the land, its people and my possibly family’s. I grew up not knowing where I’m from, archives that hold the history of my family are lost between conflict and power struggle. I hold on to a conflicted connection to discover my roots within the mountains and find my place within its houses. My given name Eldalil (meaning guide – traditionally families were given names based on their most celebrated craft) is my only truth and my only way of tracing my Bedouin and Palestinian ancestry.
Remarked as traitors for remaining in Sinai during the war and a national threat lurking in the mountains, the Bedouin community became outcasts, second class citizens to post war Egypt. In the game of power between Bedou’ and authority – those who are the land verses who claim it – Bedouin communities in St. Catherine are deprived from proper medical & educational access, infrastructure and stable income. Tourism which accounts for 80% of the communities’ income has deteriorated significantly since 2013 when the authorities completely closed off roads leading to the area for all touristic vehicles. Yet, the Bedou’ remain, adapt and protect their own. They are the keepers of the land.
Addressing identity and representation, I focus on co-creating alternative visual narratives of the Bedouin community in St. Catherine by inviting community members to add embroidery, poetry, commentary and sound onto the works. Claiming ownership and ultimately challenging the orientalist/colonial documentation which has had major influence on öthering"of the community by western and non-western urban society.
Considering GUILD mentorship program, I'm looking to learn how to showcase my work online and connect to editors/publishers. I'm looking to complete my work in progress by July 2020 and in order to prepare for this I need to apply for funding in order to exhibit the work and publish it. I aim to connect with application writers in GUILD mentorship who'd help me develop my writing skills in order to get the funding and collaborations needed to showcase my work properly. I'm also looking for guidance on how to develop my online presence and connect with the larger Visura network.
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