I have met and worked with people seeking asylum through my various socially-engaged photography projects over the years. In 2021, I delivered participatory photography workshops to a group of refugee service users at the Millside Centre in Bradford city centre via my ACE funded 'Local Focal' project. Their appreciation for Bradford made me want to re-evaluate negative attitudes towards my home city. There are so many exciting things happening in the City right now especially with Bradford 2025's hard work towards achieving City of Culture. It's right that people are talking about Bradford in positive way. In conversations, I've learned that this City of Sanctuary has literally provided a 'lifeline' for refugees and asylum seekers and a sense of belonging.
During this time, I learned the story of Mohammed Yasin (Yas). A member of the persecuted Rohingya community, he arrived in Bradford with his family at the age of 13, in 2009, through the City of Sanctuary scheme. After overcoming unspeakable challenges, he still managed to fulfil his dream in setting up his own restaurant in 2020 (during lockdown). And all by the age of 25. I truly admire him. I approached him and he kindly invited me to document behind-the-scenes activity in his Sizzling Lounge Restaurant in Bingley. A photography exhibition celebrating their first year anniversary was held at the Restaurant. My 'Lifeline' exhibition honours him and all displaced persons who have worked hard to settle and build new homes and new lives in Bradford.
Enjoy. Shy
Please note, all the images are copyright protected by Shy Burhan and no usage rights are implied or allowed without express permission of the above…
