The Rugmaker of Mazar-e-Sharif

The main character in the novel is a man named Najaf who arrived in Australia as an asylum seeker after being picked up on Ashmore Reef with a group of people after fleeing war in his home country of Afghanistan. The Rugmaker of Mazar-e-Sharif is Najaf’s memoir of living with that conflict. The novel attempts to illustrate the far reaching ramifications of war on individuals and communities.

Encountering Confilct in The Rugmaker of Mazar-e-Sharif

The text raises questions about the justness of war. Is it fair and reasonable that civilians suffer? Does war ever result in positive social change? It explores how ordinary people like Najaf cope with incessant conflict. It shows how some people take side and how others, like Najaf, are resilient overcoming tragedies and continuing to live peaceful and productive lives. The text is a celebration of hope and the resilience of the human spirit.

 

Ideas in the text

Conflict has far-reaching consequences

The text highlights the many and varied ways in which conflict affects individuals and communities.

 

Conflict is futile

Explore the idea that there are no winners and no change brought about by war only more fighting.

 

Conflict opposes humanity

Najaf is a man who believes in honesty, respect and the value of each person.

 

Conflict is unfair

The text’s main concern is with the people who try to live ordinary lives while a war they did not want and did not start rages around them.

 

People can survive conflict

The text shows that people are not necessarily harden or brutalized by their encounters with conflict.

 

Individual experiences of conflict are not unique

Najaf is one individual among many civilians in Afghanistan who have had similar experiences when encountering conflict.

016 -The Rugmaker of Marz-e-Sharif chapter summaries.

Chapter 1: Najaf’s displacement. Adjusting to a new community.

Chapter 2: Rocket – Rosal Ali killed. Suffering.

Chapter 3: Life in Woomera – coflict – heated arguments between detainees

Chapter 4: Najaf outlines history of conflict in Afghanistan.

Chapter 5: Interview – Najaf – feelings of fear about interview – afraid enemies will give false info to authorities.

Chapter 6: Najaf moves to Mazar – Taliban introduced – recounts story of Abdul Ali

Chapter 7: Najaf alleviates conflict during meal times

Chapter 8: Begins Rugmaker apprenticeship (12 yrs old)

Chapter 9: Despair of man who sews lips together.

Chapter 10: Gorg Ali killed – futility of war.

Chapter 11: Abbas asks Najaf for help (love affair) – proposal refused

Chapter 12: Psychological injury to leg – inability to work – begging and shame.

Chapter 13: Unrequited love within Woomera (Najaf’s conversation with young woman).

Chapter 14: Encountering Taliban conflict – powerlessness of Afghanis.

Chapter 15: Najaf and Nemair mistakenly told they have visas

Chapter 16: Taliban rise to power – Najaf marries Hakima – life goes on in Afghanistan.

Chapter 17: Najaf begins build life in Melbourne – differences/ delights in the people he meets.

Chapter 18: Taliban invade Mazar. Najaf hides 15 days – dramatic climax.

Chapter 19: Najaf opens rug shop. Hakima bewildered by answering machine.

Chapter 20: Hiding from Taliban in countryside until family arrange escape.

Chapter 21: Receives permanent residency – great sorrow and joy in this chapter.

Chapter 22: Travels to Australia. Entrusts life to Qadem. Boards boat.

Chapter 23: Najaf reunited with Hakima and Maria

Postscript: Reflects upon the anomalies of his life. Seems to feel guilt for his good fortune.