My family and I fled from the Taliban. First, we went to Iran, where we lived for 15 years. Well, there was no war in Iran but there was no freedom either. We could not go out on the street at night and we were not respected. Our children could not go to school. I tried to receive some kind of vocational training, but they did not allow me. Whenever we encountered an obstacle we were told, “Because you’re Afghans!”

But that is not the case in Türkiye. Here, we are free. I can walk on the streets at nighttime and enroll in sewing courses. I am not afraid of people in Türkiye.

We first arrived in Van in Türkiye in 2018. Later, we went to Ankara whereupon the United Nations referred us to Kayseri. Thank God, they did so! Here, a neighbor introduced me to the Afghan Refugee Solidarity Association (ARSA), where I enrolled in handicrafts courses and my daughters learned English. We benefited from almost everything ARSA had to offer. We attended information sessions on legal issues and learned a lot about our rights. I cannot thank this organization enough.

I simply wish for a future where my children can attend school, where they can live in peace and away from wars and conflict and receive a university degree of their own choosing.

I came to Türkiye for a little peace. No one would leave their homes unless they have to.