My life has been extremely difficult ever since I was a child. I’ve had burn marks on my body since I was 12 years old, and everyone has abandoned me because of them.

Everywhere I’ve lived, I’ve felt like an outsider. I’ve lived most of my life in Iran. Although I only spent a year in Afghanistan, where I am originally from, people still thought of me as an immigrant.

I am a foreigner in Türkiye as well. Because I don’t speak the language or know the local areas well, it is in some ways even harder here. Everything feels brand-new, so if you pause and think about it, it’s like being born again. When I’m doing my weekly shopping, for instance, it’s challenging to communicate. But these days, we have more comfort. Living in Türkiye gives me a sense of security and I appreciate it. It has never been easy for me because I have survived burns. I was also worried about having my kids taken away in Iran. But as of right now, I’m fearless. Because nobody is hurting me in Türkiye. Both my comfort and the peace of my kids are restored. I am safe from my husband’s threats. I am at ease.