Şehribanu TuranOn Thursday, February 13th, 2025, Yunus Emre Enstitüsü – London hosted a remarkable event that delved into the resilience and culture of Palestinian lives through the lens of the compelling book, “Daybreak in Gaza: Stories of Palestinian Lives and Culture,” co-edited by Mahmoud Muna and Matthew Teller. The evening, organized in collaboration with Saqi Books and Profile Books, featured a discussion and book signing with co-editor Matthew Teller.
“Daybreak in Gaza,” co-edited by Mahmoud Muna and Matthew Teller, with contributions from Juliette Touma and Jayyab Abusafia, challenges the often reductive portrayal of Gaza in the global discourse, which frequently limits the region to mere statistics. The book provides a unique insight into the lives of its people — artists, acrobats, doctors, students, shopkeepers, and teachers — who share stories of love, life, loss, and survival against the backdrop of Gaza’s rich cultural heritage and tumultuous history. This collection not only documents but also celebrates the indomitable spirit of the people of Gaza, highlighting the diversity of their experiences and the richness of their cultural expressions. It serves as a powerful testament to their resilience and resistance to the erasure of their cultural identity.
The event featured a panel discussion led by Matthew Teller, who provided insights into the process of compiling these stories and the importance of preserving such narratives in the face of adversity. The discussion was followed by a question and answer session, which allowed attendees to explore the themes of the book more deeply.
During the panel, Matthew Teller elaborated on the specific challenges faced while gathering the narratives for “Daybreak in Gaza.” He discussed the delicate task of accurately representing the voices of Gaza’s diverse inhabitants—from the bustling markets to the quiet corners of schools and hospitals. Teller emphasized the collaborative nature of the project, highlighting how local artists and writers played a crucial role in bringing these stories to life. He also touched on the psychological impact of the ongoing conflict on the contributors and their resilience in continuing to create and share their experiences despite the circumstances. This part of the discussion illuminated the profound connection between personal stories and broader historical contexts, underscoring the necessity of such works in humanizing often-politicized issues.
Additionally, Matthew Teller spoke about the emotional and logistical complexities involved in capturing the daily realities of Gaza’s residents. He highlighted the importance of authenticity in storytelling, ensuring that the narratives reflect the true spirit and challenges faced by the people depicted. Teller praised the courage of those who shared their personal stories, noting their hope that such narratives foster greater understanding and empathy internationally. This emphasis on authentic representation resonated deeply with the audience, providing a richer context for the subsequent book signing session, where attendees engaged enthusiastically with the author. Copies of Teller’s “Nine Quarters of Jerusalem” were also available, further enriching the attendees’ experience with more insights into the region’s history and culture.This event offered a unique opportunity for those interested in understanding more about the Middle Eastern cultural landscape and the enduring human spirit in the face of challenges.
