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I’m Shirin. I tell stories through writing and photography and here is where they all come together.

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Recent Substack Articles

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Wandering Alone
Wandering Alone

There is a difference between loneliness and solitude, and it’s one I’ve always been able to distinguish clearly. I don’t feel lonely when I’m alone; on the contrary, I feel more in tune with myself. And in that lies a kind of freedom that many people, over the years, have told me they wish they could experience as well.

11 Years On
11 Years On

When I left Switzerland for Ireland, it was only ever meant to be for a year, two at most. And yet here I am, in my eleventh year. Now, when I return to Switzerland, I feel a sense of estrangement. Everything seems familiar in a way, and yet it no longer feels like home. I have built a life elsewhere, one I cannot imagine ever leaving behind, nor can I imagine reintegrating into Switzerland again.

Memories of Swiss Village Summers
Memories of Swiss Village Summers

My cousins and I bonded over stacking hay, pulling weeds, setting up beanstalks, and racing go-karts down the quiet road by our house, back when hardly any cars passed through. Looking back, it almost feels like it never really existed.

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  • 12.07.26, 12:30PM - 02:00PM

    Free to attend, tips welcome

    Join us for a relaxed reading event in Bray.

    Shared Reading is a guided reading model developed by The Reader Organisation, a Liverpool-based charity.

    In each session, participants listen to poems read aloud, then explore them together through open and thoughtful conversation.

    You don’t need to be an avid reader to take part. The experience is meant to offer an inclusive and reflective space grounded in connection. Whether you enjoy reading or are simply curious to try something new, you are very welcome to join us in Bray!

  • 07.07.26, 07:00PM - 08:30PM

    Ticket: 10€

    Join us for a Co-Writing session in Dún Laoghaire where we write alongside one another. It’s a relaxed, supportive space to explore ideas, experiment with words, and see what takes shape.

    You’re welcome to bring something you’re working on or just start fresh. The focus is on the process and writing in good company!

  • 19.07.26, 11:00AM - 12:30PM

    Free to attend, tips welcome

    Join us for an engaging reading event in beautiful Rosslare, where we’ll gather by the beach to read together.

    Shared Reading is a guided reading model developed by The Reader Organisation, a Liverpool-based charity.

    In each session, participants listen to poems read aloud, then explore them together through open and thoughtful conversation.

    You don’t need to be an avid reader to take part. The experience is meant to offer an inclusive and reflective space grounded in connection. Whether you enjoy reading or are simply curious to try something new, you are very welcome to join us at the beach in Rosslare!

  • 31.08.26, 07:00PM - 08:30PM

    Ticket: CHF 15.00

    Event held in English (but you’re welcome to write in whatever language suits you best)

    Join us for a Co-Writing session by the lake, where we write alongside one another. It’s a relaxed, supportive space to explore ideas, experiment with words, and see what takes shape.

    You’re welcome to bring something you’re working on or just start fresh, the focus is on the process and writing in good company!

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Recent Photography Collections

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka
Syria

Syria
Afghanistan

Afghanistan
Switzerland

Switzerland

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