Baynetna, Berlin

Project name: Baynetna

Project location: Berlin

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Project description:

Formed in 2016, the Baynetna Library is a library and salon that opens once a week in an emergency shelter for refugees in Berlin-Kreuzberg. It is the only existing Arabic library in Berlin. Beginning with a few donated books, the Library has grown and expanded to contain 800 books, and still we are searching for more. An architecture class at the TU Berlin designed and donated movable shelves and furniture that are folded out to create a comfortable space, open to everyone.
Books can allow their readers to experience a taste of a home they have left, or to become acquainted with a world previously unknown to them. We use the power of stories to convey cross-cultural experiences, and to foster an inclusive and progressive environment. On one hand, we provide literature to newcomers who, coming to Germany, are deprived of reading in their native language. On the other hand, we want to have Arabic works translated into German and/or English, so that people in Berlin can discover the long literary tradition that we have to offer. With this goal in mind, we have published Ibrahim Aljabin's “Orient Eye”, in Arabic and German, both languages side by side. We spark discussions not only with the books on our shelves, but also through weekly live readings, music performances and workshops. By using literature as the medium through which cultures are shared, discussed and understood the Baynetna Library gives a new platform to integration – one that is accessible and enjoyable to all.

Motivation of the applicant / applicant team:

I was born in Aleppo where education is controlled by the Regime, where we are not taught to criticise, but to conform. I began to educate myself by reading books to escape from the propaganda of the Regime. Slowly, I built a library which opened up a world of many cultures and ideas to me. In 2012 my house was bombed and my library, my sanctuary, was destroyed. I left the country in hope of re-building my library one day. This dream became true in Berlin. Unlike my library in Aleppo it is public, which means I, and many others, can share dreams, ideas and culture together.

Use of prize money:

So far, most of our projects have been been financed by ourselves, such as the publication. All of our books are donated, meaning that most are dated and we can’t provide an Arabic and a German version of the same work. Readings and music events rely heavily on a network of friends and volunteers. To continue and expand the project we need funding for:

Books: contemporary literature and Arabic/German/English translations - €5,500
Travel costs for writers or poets who live outside of Berlin/Germany - €4,000
A sound-system for readings and music performances - €2,500
German/Arabic publications - €1,500
A brochure/website and other marketing - €1,500