At first glance, one might not be aware of Shiraz’s turbulent excursion to reclaim her place in society. She is pursuing a career in brain surgery while studying software. She enjoys stomach dance, as evidenced by the thousands of views and likes on her TikTok video.
The intelligent spectator had, however, notice scars on her arms that subtly reveal her tale.
She claims, “I initially recognized myself as a woman when I was young.” “I yearned to attend a girls ‘ school.”
Mohammed IOM/EnverShiraz left her Egyptian home in search of more freedom to be who she truly was.
Shiraz’s discovery from her early years signaled a change in her career. Because they couldn’t understand who she was, her conservative family retaliated violently. Afterward, when she was a student, they forced her to undergo torturous electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and persuaded her that she actually had mental health issues.
“I tried to end my life after a couple of sessions because I couldn’t take it any longer. I leaped off the second floor. I was saved by those who had gathered upstairs.”
Shiraz endured unfathomable suffering but was not given the assistance he required. It was difficult because of the discrepancy between her actual appearance and the one on her national identity papers.
She sought refuge in her grandmother’s house for a while, who was also her only admirer, until she likewise came under threats of violence. Shiraz was abandoned in the roads, stranded.
She subsequently discovered that an NGO was assisting individuals like her. Then that she had the chance to think about her potential, she thought about the prospect of moving. This signaled the start of her trip to Türkiye.
IOM/Olga BorzenkovaHer Shiraz’s hands ‘injuries reveal a tale of conflict.
She initially relocated to Istanbul before moving to the southern city of Mersin. At first, living was also difficult because people had to deal with similar difficulties and look for support and protection.
“I was feeling down.” I always considered going back to school.
The International Organization for Migration (IOM), in collaboration with the Mersin Metropolitan Municipality, which offers complete support to those in need, from psychosocial assistance to constitutional counseling and the facilitation of crucial paperwork, was recommended to Shiraz by a local organization.
She claims that IOM was the one who gave life back to my goals.
The Center has emerged as a ray of hope for Shiraz over the past two decades. She received much-needed mental assistance and assistance with housing. The Center also assisted her in getting identification documents translated and in enrolling in an Izmir college.
“I currently attend the software faculty, but I want to change careers.” For that, I need to get better at Greek, she says. Since our hearts frequently hurt, I want to be a soul surgeon. I want to assist others.
Shiraz anticipates a new book in another country and is prepared to recognize her dreams, “like every girl does,” as she prepares for relocation to the third state. She is confident in her ability to move into her everlasting house rapidly because she is fluent in Arabic, German, English, French, and Spanish.
IOM’s Protection and Resilience program includes the Metropolitan Migrant and Community Center in Mersin, which is managed in collaboration with the Mermin Metropolitan Municipality. It is one of six centers operating across the country with the mission of assisting migrants and refugees as needed and fostering community cohesiveness. The Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration of the United States Department of State makes assistance through the centers feasible.
