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This page is part of the 2008 FESTIVAL ARCHIVE.
Visit the current Melbourne Writers Festival website for details of the next festival.

Najaf Mazari

Najaf Mazari
Najaf Mazari was born near Mazar-e-Sharif in northern Afghanistan. At 12, he left school and apprenticed himself to a master rugmaker. He fled Afghanistan in 2001 after being tortured and narrowly escaping the genocide of men and boys. Reluctantly leaving behind a young wife and 6-month old baby, he made the dangerous journey eventually ending up in Woomera. After his release, he settled in Melbourne where he owns a rug shop. Six years later, the Australian Government permitted his wife and daughter to join him. The Rugmaker of Mazar-e-Sharif is his memoir.

Najaf Mazari will be appearing:

Afghani man's tale of danger, escape and rebirth