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Introduction
Ek Khaale - Once Upon A Time
“Look! Look at how long we have been here. Look at who we were. What does it tell you?
Mohammed, Rohingya elder (2023)
The Rohingya expression Ek Khaale means Once Upon A Time.
This is a story about History, Existence, Belonging, Participation, Community, Resistance and Reclamation.
Ek Khaale is a story about LIFE.
A history is being uncovered through old photographs, documents, letters, diaries and illustrations found in archives and private collections but mostly…contributed by Rohingya.
These pieces of history and community have been displaced around the world. Now, their stories are ready to be told.
It is a story most people have never seen before.
“Yes, Burma is our country, but for Rohingya, Arakan has always been our homeland.”
Nur, Rohingya elder (2019)
“This is my history. Our history. Rohingya history. It shows who we are and shows to the world we are people of Burma.”
Abdu, Rohingya elder (2023)
“When I start a conversation with Ek Khaale, this melts the heart of listeners. It lets them know a painful story of the past will be told ahead.”
Anamul, (2023)