In our Northern Roots series, we speak to readers originally from Northern Ireland but currently living elsewhere, or vice versa – or who’ve spent time away from NI. This week’s interviewee is Qudrat Jamshidi who is originally from Iran and currently living in NI.

 

1. Tell us about yourself. Where do you come from and when did you come to Northern Ireland? What brought you here? What do you do now?

I came to Northern Ireland in 1958 from Karachi, Pakistan, but I am originally from Persia (Iran), which I left in 1957 and have never returned for many reasons. I came here mainly to continue my studies and get as good of an education as possible.

I came with my younger brother and went to a boarding school first to learn English and then chose subjects for future progression. I chose to pursue science education, achieving a degree in Pharmacy at Queen’s University in Belfast.

I met my wife, who is also a pharmacist, at Queen’s and began work in retail pharmacy for Boots. I worked my way up through the ranks and eventually opened my own shop. I am now retired and, with the exception of a brief stint in England, I have lived happily in Northern Ireland all my life. My father gave us a choice of whether to come to the UK or to remain in Karachi. I am thankful for the freedom he gave us and for my choice to come to Northern Ireland.

 

2. What do you think of Northern Ireland, and how does it compare to where you are from?

In 1958, Northern Ireland had very few foreign nationals and in some ways we were novelty. The people could not have been more kind and we were accepted and treated as equals or even better, at times.

I grew up in a village near Yazd. My father, in his youth, had decided to go to Karachi in pursuit of work and a better life. He worked extremely hard day and night to be able to provide well for his family. Eventually, the whole family then moved to Karachi. My father was a great man – he had a hard life and provided for us all and gave us all the opportunities in life we could ask for. I never once heard him complain.

A few of my formative years were spent in Persia, but I have not been back since that time and I honestly can’t say much about the place because I don’t know what it is like to live there presently, save for updates from relatives, from time to time.

 

3. Are you hopeful for Northern Ireland’s future? Does Brexit have any impact on you and how you view the future?

To be honest, the future looks very bleak at the moment and it is hard to know if everything will progress. The Brexit situation is very uncertain and unpredictable. In some ways, on a smaller scale, it reminds me of the division in Iran during my childhood. We need to have a society based on love, inclusivity and mutual collaboration and I just don’t see that in our leaders at the moment.

 

4. Do you think you will return home or do you plan to stay in Northern Ireland long term? Is there anything that may influence your decision either way?

In 1979, when the Shah of Iran was overthrown and the Ayatollah came to power, he instructed Iranian embassies across the world not to renew passports for people of the Baha’i faith and, therefore, I was forced to seek naturalisation and take a British passport. I still have my old Persian passport, though it is long expired. I am happy here and will not be leaving any time soon.

 

5. What can Northern Ireland learn from your home country?

I feel that no matter where we live or where we’re from there are things that we can learn from each other for the benefit for all.

 

6. If Northern Ireland had a president with sweeping powers, and it was you, what would you do?

As Baha’is, we do not meddle in party politics and, therefore, being a president does not carry any consideration for me.

 

7. What would you like to see more of on Northern Slant?

As someone who has only recently come into contact with Northern Slant, I can’t honestly say much on the subject. I work with a group of lovely people with the Intercultural Friendship Group, which has a presence in the community. We come from all different backgrounds and our ethos is centred on respect and celebration of all cultures. So, I think any projects, such as this series, that encourage intercultural interaction and understanding, are a plus!

 

8. If you could ask three politicians (one from Northern Ireland) out to dinner, who would they be and why?

This is a difficult question, because the political system has historically been poor at doing what’s right for all and, instead, tends to suit the interest of party leaders or, even worse, individuals, rather than society. As a Baha’i, I tend to steer clear of the whole lot!

 

9. Do you have a favourite quote or mantra?

“Ye are the fruits of one tree and the leaves of one branch” (Baha’i writings).

 

10. What’s your message for people back home and to the people of Northern Ireland?

Be fair to people and treat them as humans. Be understanding, build bridges. This would apply to where I am from, but to everywhere, too.

For the people here, I just want to say, I have had a wonderful life, amongst wonderful people. And for that, I am truly grateful.