Daastan is back with another interesting live session. In this week’s live, we are introducing to you Numrah Noor, the author of Shehr Kinaray.
Meet Numrah Noor
Numrah is a powerhouse of talent from Karachi. Her talent is unique and knows no bounds. She is an avid reader, a wonderful mother, an interior designer and an aspiring writer. Her personality has many layers. Moreover, she is a keen observer which reflects in her work. She has numerous certifications for interior designing from some of the most prestigious institutions of the world. Therefore, after getting the certifications from NewYork Institute of Art, Design Society of America and Harvard Design School, she laid the foundation of “Zeen Designs”. Shehr Kinaray her debut book.
Literary Journey
Growing up in the 90s was different. Back then children didn’t have much exposure to the outside world. Their days were confined within the four walls of home. So, the only fun they had was through reading. Numrah being the kid of 90s also enjoyed reading. From fiction to biographies and travelogues, she has read it all. Apart from that, her father-in-law has been a great literary influence in her life.
“My father-in-law had his own small library. He contributed a lot to my understanding of literature. It’s because of him that I am familiar with the literature of Europe and Subcontinent today.”
Numrah’s Love for Traveling
Since her debut book is a travelogue, we can say that traveling holds a special place in her heart.
“To me traveling is about enjoying the scenic beauty, discovering new forms of architecture and cultures all around the world. It opens to me a whole new world of aesthetics. Also, I am a big foodie, so I love to try cultural foods whenever I get the chance. And ofcourse, meeting new people is something I look forward to the most in my travels. So far, Dubai has been my favourite. I love the beaches there.”
Shehr Kinaray
“Traveling – it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.” – Ibn Battuta
These words by Ibn Battuta are self explanatory. They define traveling in such beautiful terms. We can very well understand why Numrah chose to write a travelogue as her debut book. Traveling uncovered the storyteller in her. Her book is based on the historical city of Baku, Azerbaijan. She speaks about her book along the following lines.
“Here I take the readers on a 5 day journey and try to incorporate the details of famous world heritage sites in Baku. Along side, I discussed art, architecture, food, ethnicity, and culture in an interesting manner.”
About her unique title selection, She told Daastan:
“The architecture of Azerbaijan is mesmerising. There are heaven-kissing structures all around the city. The top of the buildings there provide a bird’s eye view of everything that’s beneath. It feels as if from the horizon one can see the edge of the city. For that purpose, I named the book Shehr Kinaray.”
Numrah’s views on Art & Literature in Pakistan
“There is not much appreciation for art & literature in Pakistan. But there’s a reason behind that. Our country is still in its developmental stages. People are fighting for basic necessities of life. Hence, they are unable to enjoy luxuries such as art & literature. A person can not appreciate a work of art on empty stomach. In addition to that, these fields are considered experimental. They don’t guarantee a decent livelihood. And people are in dire need of money.”
About the Publishing Process
“I never would have imagined to publish a book at this point in my life. Then quarantine happened and I had a lot of free time on my hands. So, I began writing in my journal what you all today know as Shehr Kinaray. I was oblivious to the whole publishing process. Luckily, I found Daastan! They talked me through everything. It all went really smooth. I got the opportunity to learn a lot of new things. I also came to realise that the publishing process has a team of creatives behind it who work tirelessly to give the readers a book. Holding my book for the first time is a memory I will cherish forever. I am truly grateful for this experience.”
Numrah Noor gives Reading Advice
Let’s hear what advice Numrah has for newbie writers!
“Make sure to read, read and read. That’s the only way you can write a good piece of literature. There are no rules to reading or writing. Take a course to polish your skills and practice every day.”
Daastan wishes Numrah best of luck for her future. Order your copy of Shehr Kinaray today and experience the best of Baku!
