Nazira, 35
Born in Dushanbe, Tajikistan
Came to Australia in August 2009
What is your occupation?
I’m currently not working at the moment as I’ve been looking for a suitable position in my chosen field since January. I have recently given birth to my daughter Primrose and I’ve realised that I needed to specialise in something. At the moment, I am studying a Master of Logistics and Supply Chain Management at the University of Sydney.
Previously, I worked for WestConnex and was studying a Masters of Human Rights - it was at this time that I realised that Australia doesn’t really have many avenues for people studying this area.
In the future, I want to be involved in helping refugees as this is something that is very personal to me, by working for not-for-profit (NGO) organisations at refugee camps and providing disaster relief.
Why did you come to Australia?
During the collapse of the USSR, Tajikistan underwent a civil war. My family and I had to flee to Uzbekistan and during this time, I was a child slave at the age of 6, working in cotton fields. The Uzbek government didn’t accept our refugee status after 2 years so we decided to head back to Tajikistan; it was like starting our lives all over again as our apartment and belongings were stolen during the civil war.
In 2009, my step-father took all of us to Australia because his company transferred him to Perth, Western Australia. It was absolutely mindblowing for me as I never thought I would end up in a country like Australia. At first, I struggled to integrate into Australian society as I couldn’t really speak much English and had no friends at all.
I decided to move to Sydney after 1-2 years as I never really settled in Perth; it was too quiet and the city lacked dynamism for me. I undertook bridging courses to improve English and here I am today!
What do you like about Sydney?
I love how multicultural it is. There’s also an abundance of activities to do and people are more open-minded: they understood that my English wasn’t the greatest at first but still were willing to be friends with me. It was a lot easier for me to make friends here as a result.
I feel like Sydney has helped me develop personally. I now love meeting new people and engaging in new experiences.
What don’t you like about Sydney?
Sydney is an incredibly expensive city and having a baby has only reinforced this. We are unable to afford a good lifestyle and property is prohibitively expensive. I don’t even know when we can afford our own place. I’m currently paying $150 for childcare a day! As a young family, the finances are very tight at the moment.
The quality of life is amazing with the beaches and nature, but if you don’t have an abundance of money at your disposal, it’s quite restrictive in many ways.
It’s a very transient city, in that many people like expatriates, travellers and exchange students come and go. I’ve had a lot of friends leave Australia after only a few years and it is quite frustrating.
What would you like to say to Sydneysiders?
Be kind.
There seems to be a general lack of kindness in the world we’re currently living in.
There was one instance when Primrose was excessively crying on the train: it’s hard as a mother to understand what the baby wants when they cannot speak yet. Everyone was giving me disapproving and dirty looks except one young gentleman, who actually asked me if he could help in any way, shape or manner.
We underestimate how much our actions can shape someone’s day, both positively and negatively.
What languages do you speak?
Russian and English
Back in the USSR, Russian was the predominant language. As I was born during this time, I didn’t really learn much Tajik and I only know a few words. The younger generation, such as my 27-year-old younger brother, speaks it fluently, however, so there is a correlation between Tajik language proficiency and age.
Tajik is quite distinct from Russian however I don’t think it is necessarily a difficult language to learn.
A hilarious thing is I’ve unknowingly developed an accent when speaking Russian: English is fast becoming my native tongue as I use it all the time. Many times, I’ve had people ask me where I’m from.
Teach us one word/phrase from your native language.
как дела
Pronounced “kak dela?”, this means how are you?
What is one thing you want us to know about your native country?
It’s an incredibly beautiful country as it’s 93% mountainous. The two principal ranges, the Pamir Mountains and the Alay Mountains, give rise to many glacier-fed streams and rivers, which have been used to irrigate farmlands since ancient time
In the capital Dushanbe, I would drive 30 mins to the mountains and go on hikes.
People are very hospitable, generous and warm-hearted. We are well known for our hospitality around the world. Hospitality is a sacred value, and guests are treated with immense kindness and respect. Anywhere you go, you can expect to be offered plov or tea.
History buffs will love the country: Alexander the Great went to the Pamir Mountains as part of the Silk Road.
Who is the most famous person in your native country?
He’s been President of Tajikistan since 1994 and he’s definitely the face of our country. He’s been there for decades and I feel like people are ready for fresh perspectives. It’s illegal to criticise him so that pretty much sums it up.
Other famous people are singers like Shabnam Surayyo but I don’t really follow them. Even when I left Tajikistan a decade ago, she was famous. I wouldn’t be able to name any of the new-age musicians that are tending though. Music is blasted everywhere on the streets, bazaars and markets; it’s a huge culture shock compared to Australia.
What is the best dish in your native country?
The most popular dish in Tajikistan is pilau. The basic recipe consists of chunks of meat, fried in oil with rice, onions and carrots in a special kazan cauldron. It’s so popular throughout the region that it is difficult to tell where it really comes from. It isn’t actually my favourite dish because it tends to get a bit oily at times.
My favourite dish is shashlik, which is meat skewers. I can find them here but they’re just not the same taste.
Disclaimer: All posts are personal opinions and perspectives of the interviewees and are not a perfect representation of the whole country/experience.
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