Hassun El-Zafar
MIRPUR VR is an immersive experience which shares memories of Kashmir’s Mirpur district before the submersion of hundreds of villages under the Mangla Dam in the 1960s. According to the latest census, 70% of British Pakistanis have a heritage in Mirpur, with many families using compensation to travel to the UK during its post-war economic recovery. The project was co-created with diaspora members and aims to provoke conversation around the memory and experience of migration in the South Asian community. It combines community voices with archived historical research, geographical mapping technology and architectural reconstruction technology. The VR production, led by artist Hassun El-Zafar, creates an intergenerational story and experience, uncovering the relationships between land, home, climate and culture like never before. A first-stage work-in-progress, the VR experience will premiere at Migration Matters Festival 2023. The project has been part funded by the Joint BME Small Grant Scheme.
The rest of this blog comes from the lead artist Hassun El-Zafar:
Leading the creation of MIRPUR VR was a profound and collaborative endeavour fuelled by a deep appreciation for the importance of cultural heritage and intergenerational dialogue. At its core, this project was designed to celebrate and preserve the memories of a lost community and provide a platform for their voices to be heard.
Capturing forgotten history is powerful, and it was a privilege to participate in this creative process. The submersion of hundreds of villages under the Mangla Dam in the 1960s is a poignant example of the need to preserve and cherish our cultural heritage. By harnessing the power of technology and immersive VR experiences, we created a space where the vibrant history of the Mirpur community could be brought to life.
The co-creation of this project was a vital component of its success, and we were honoured to work alongside diaspora members and a diverse creative team to ensure that Mirpur’s memories and cultural heritage were accurately and respectfully represented. This collaboration helped to promote a better understanding of the cultural heritage of British Pakistanis and fostered a sense of belonging and identity for those with roots in Mirpur.
The discovery and use of the Saif-ul-Malook in this project is a poignant example of preserving cultural heritage. Uncovered as part of the research funded by the social history grant. This poem, named after a lake nestled in the Himalayas, is steeped in myth and legend and holds deep significance for the people from the Mirpur region, having inspired artists, poets, and musicians for generations. It stands as a testament to the enduring power of cultural heritage.
The creative team have sought to channel this same energy and passion and provide a platform for the preservation of the cultural heritage of the Mirpur community. By capturing their memories and experiences, we were able to promote a deeper understanding of the complex issues surrounding migration, climate, and culture.
About the Author: Hassun El-Zafar is a multi-disciplinary UK-based creative producer specialising in the fusion of research, technology and art. His co-creation approach empowers the under-represented in society and amplifies innovative and inspirational engagement, which drives positive social change. More information on his work can be found at www.hassunelzafar.com