Australian writer Tanzeel Jabbar-Khadir has re-released her debut book, “100 Bahrain Stories,” with expanded author notes and high-quality printed portraits, now available in major bookstores. The collection narrates the stories of Bahraini citizens and expatriates, offering intimate insights into their desires, aspirations, and experiences. Tanzeel, a lawyer with a passion for writing, aims to challenge preconceptions and highlight the universal threads that connect us all.
Tanzeel shared in an interview that her inspiration for the book came from moving to Bahrain from Australia in 2008 and noticing the differences in people from preconceived ideas. She wanted to break stereotypes through writing and connect with people more openly. Growing up as a minority in Australia and later moving to Bahrain gave her a dual perspective, allowing her to appreciate the cultural dynamics of Bahrain while maintaining an outsider’s view.
Tanzeel believes that every individual in society has a multi-faceted identity, which is evident in the varied and dynamic character of Bahrainis. She found Bahrainis to be welcoming and kind towards expatriates, creating a vibrant and dynamic society. Through her interviews and documentation work, Tanzeel discovered the rich history of cultural diversity in Bahrain, reflected in the tolerance among Bahrainis for different religions and communities.
The book also features stories of elderly Bahrainis who experienced forms of cultural diversity and the reflections on identity among immigrants. Tanzeel highlighted the moment she met an elderly English woman who shared her memories of Bahrain before her departure. The book aims to promote unity and understanding in a world that is increasingly divided, emphasizing that we are more similar than different, despite cultural and value differences.
The profits from the book’s sales were donated to local charitable organizations, allowing Tanzeel and her team to give back to the community. Tanzeel’s daughter’s upbringing in Bahrain, blending her home culture with the Bahraini culture, has shaped her in profound ways, reflecting the essence of a third culture upbringing. Tanzeel’s work goes beyond mere documentation, weaving a rich narrative of shared humanity and common aspirations, capturing the essence of our collective journey in a constantly evolving world.
