The Inspiration
Nadine had the privilege to contribute to a research initiative led by University of Utah Professor Shundana Yousaf, which resonated deeply with her. Shundana’s initiative aimed to bring attention to the often overlooked women in Sufi history. Despite the existence of thousands of shrines in my hometown of Multan, we are only aware of a few dedicated to female saints. This stark contrast raised questions about the imbalance. Professor Shundana is determined to shed light on women's history from a female perspective, as the prevalent male narrative often distorts their stories and silences their voices. It baffles Nadine how these once-prominent women have become marginalised. Learning about Shundana’s mission, Nadine eagerly joined efforts to assist her through the research.
The Journey
Through video calls and emails, Nadine collaborated with Professor Shundana as her visual aid in Multan, Pakistan. Nadine visited two locations, the Shrine of Bibi Raasti and Bibi Jawandi, capturing detailed photographs of the intricate tile work, structural elements, graves surrounding the shrines, and hidden corners of the walls. Additionally, she interviewed the caretakers, delving into the amazing stories amalgamated as folklore and tales surrounding these historical landmarks. The process highlighted the misrepresentation of historical facts and the dilapidated structures spoke its own tale of lost and forgotten glory in today’s world. To capture the unique architectural acoustics inside the tombs, Nadine recorded several audio-visual sessions, capturing echoes and sound amplification within the dome-like structures.
Key Learnings
Being a feminist and a passionate activist for women’s rights, Nadine tried to do all that she could in the last few years to support this cause so close to her heart. Nadine learned about the mystical tales of the women whom these shrines were dedicated to and pondered the countless others, forgotten, that we may never get to know.
The research aided in writing about Multan’s relevant history and brought inspiration. The process also inspired thought provoking questions, as to why certain social and cultural taboos have rendered our historical past of strong and influential women as a mere forgotten tale.
The Impact
Professor Shundana is writing a book about the histories of female Sufi saints, and the architectural details in their tombs so that we Pakistani women know more about our culture, history and spirituality. Being able to contribute to an initiative that Nadine sincerely believes in, and becoming part of the impact is something she is immensely proud of.
Way Forward
The research aided in writing about Multan’s relevant history and brought inspiration. The process also inspired thought provoking questions, as to why certain social and cultural taboos have rendered our historical past of strong and influential women as a mere forgotten tale. Nadine wants to pursue her quest for finding the answers to the unanswered and unresolved queries in this reference.
The Inspiration
Nadine had the privilege to contribute to a research initiative led by University of Utah Professor Shundana Yousaf, which resonated deeply with her. Shundana’s initiative aimed to bring attention to the often overlooked women in Sufi history. Despite the existence of thousands of shrines in my hometown of Multan, we are only aware of a few dedicated to female saints. This stark contrast raised questions about the imbalance. Professor Shundana is determined to shed light on women's history from a female perspective, as the prevalent male narrative often distorts their stories and silences their voices. It baffles Nadine how these once-prominent women have become marginalised. Learning about Shundana’s mission, Nadine eagerly joined efforts to assist her through the research.
The Journey
Through video calls and emails, Nadine collaborated with Professor Shundana as her visual aid in Multan, Pakistan. Nadine visited two locations, the Shrine of Bibi Raasti and Bibi Jawandi, capturing detailed photographs of the intricate tile work, structural elements, graves surrounding the shrines, and hidden corners of the walls. Additionally, she interviewed the caretakers, delving into the amazing stories amalgamated as folklore and tales surrounding these historical landmarks. The process highlighted the misrepresentation of historical facts and the dilapidated structures spoke its own tale of lost and forgotten glory in today’s world. To capture the unique architectural acoustics inside the tombs, Nadine recorded several audio-visual sessions, capturing echoes and sound amplification within the dome-like structures.
Key Learnings
Being a feminist and a passionate activist for women’s rights, Nadine tried to do all that she could in the last few years to support this cause so close to her heart. Nadine learned about the mystical tales of the women whom these shrines were dedicated to and pondered the countless others, forgotten, that we may never get to know.
The research aided in writing about Multan’s relevant history and brought inspiration. The process also inspired thought provoking questions, as to why certain social and cultural taboos have rendered our historical past of strong and influential women as a mere forgotten tale.
The Impact
Professor Shundana is writing a book about the histories of female Sufi saints, and the architectural details in their tombs so that we Pakistani women know more about our culture, history and spirituality. Being able to contribute to an initiative that Nadine sincerely believes in, and becoming part of the impact is something she is immensely proud of.
Way Forward
The research aided in writing about Multan’s relevant history and brought inspiration. The process also inspired thought provoking questions, as to why certain social and cultural taboos have rendered our historical past of strong and influential women as a mere forgotten tale. Nadine wants to pursue her quest for finding the answers to the unanswered and unresolved queries in this reference.
