Iranian Exile Journalist Maryam Mardani: “I Left my Country to Find my Homeland”

I left my homeland with a student visa to continue my studies. However, this decision was not a free choice, but rather an escape – a flight from Iran. I remember vividly that moment twelve years ago: I wanted to pursue my dreams and be free to express myself without fear. As an exile journalist, I found a new home in Germany, yet a part of me will always belong to Iran. The cultural richness and diversity of both countries shape my identity as a ‘companion of the homeland.’ Living between two worlds has been a challenging journey of self-discovery and resilience.