When Wales Wrapped Herself Around Me

From Planet 234

by Meltem Arıkan

Writer Meltem Arıkan recounts how she fled to Wales in fear of her life following persecution in Turkey over her play, which was accused of being a dress rehearsal for the Gezi Park protests. She reflects on how walking across Wales has transformed her, and the new play this has inspired.

It was 2004 when I decided to improve the English I had refused to learn properly since childhood. I accidentally found a course, at Trebinshun House, in Brecon. Even though it was July, the weather was very, very cold. It seemed everywhere was painted green. The greens meeting together with the white skies. It felt as if I had arrived at a place in the middle of nowhere, but in the middle of everything important to me. Peaceful but cold.

About the author

Meltem Arıkan is Turkish author and playwright. She has written nine novels, one book of research and five plays. Her articles have been published on various web sites in different countries including News Junkie Post and Index on Censorship on a regular basis on subjects including woman rights, censorship, child abuse and defending freedom of expression.