An Author’s Perspective On ‘Sirinagar’

City As Memory by Sadaf Wani, Aleph

Kashmir, a valley renowned for its myriad wonders, continues to captivate for various reasons. At the heart of this enigmatic region lies ‘Sirinagar‘ (not Srinagar), an ancient city steeped in centuries-old history. In recent decades, the city has witnessed periods of calm and upheaval, the effects of which still linger.

Sadaf Wani, who grew up during the turbulent 1990s when Kashmir was in the grip of insurgency, recalls her adolescence in the 2000s marked by sporadic violence and civilian protests. These tumultuous phases are intricately woven into her memories of growing up in a conflict-ridden homeland.

Raised in Varmul, Sadaf spent much of her time indoors, with occasional trips to Srinagar or Sopor providing her a profound sense of freedom. These experiences shaped her understanding of life and death, equating safety with goodness and untimely death with loss.

In her writings, Sadaf reflects on how her professional ties with Srinagar have allowed her to view the city through various lenses. As her research questions evolved, so did the city’s responses, revealing different facets each time.

Her book offers a first-hand account of Srinagar’s dynamics, focusing particularly on Downtown, the mezzanine part of the ancient city that became the epicenter of the resistance movement in the 1990s. Through her narrative, readers gain an insider’s perspective on the complex and ever-changing nature of Sirinagar.

Sadaf Wani is a writer and communications professional, bringing a unique and intimate perspective to the stories of Kashmir and its enduring allure.