As I Am

"As I Am" is a transformed version of my favourite quote in Charlotte Brontë's 'Jane Eyre': "As We Are"; where she explicitly talks about female identity and self-dependence in contrast with the society's customs.

This section is always growing and shows a little bit of who I am beyond my academic work 👩🏻‍💻

1. Roots

Far

Divine glory · radiance · splendour · kingly majesty. Ancient Persian, imbued with light.

Naz

Pride · delicacy · grace · elegance. Shared across many Indo-European languages.

2. Hobbies & Interests

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Bookworm

Sci-Fi, historical, philosophy, poetry, Non-fictionals particularly scientific and psychological subjects, romantic drama Book. Favourites: Harry Potter, Brontë Sisters, Fyodor dostoevsky, Italio Calvino,Orhan Pamuk and Rebecca Solnit.

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Languages & Cultures

Currently finishing A1 Italian on Duolingo. Vorresti mangiare un gelato? 🍨

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Nature & Hiking

British and Iranian landscapes. St Abb’s Head is a favourite escape.

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Travel & Road trips

Grew up exploring by car. As an architect & heritage specialist, sites and cities are a joy. My Beloved Place in the World: Basilica Sant’Apollinare di Classe.

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Cooking & Baking

On a quest for the perfect Italian pizza dough. Tips welcome!

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Music

Guitar and harmonica. Favourite bands/singers: Coldplay, Radiohead, Parastoo Ahmadi, Sezen Aksu, Evgeny Grinko.

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Film & Theatre

Big Friends fan. I love operas and ballets. Before Sunrise trilogy is a favourite.

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Games

Board games (Dixit, Backgammon, Chess) and video games. Most recently: It Takes Two.

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Lego & Puzzles

A Lego set or jigsaw is a guaranteed happiness.

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Photography

Analogue, mostly landscapes. Shooting with a Zenit (the Russian Tank) and a Canonet 28.

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Writing & Poetry

Journaling and transforming my thoughts into poems. “Poems are a window to the soul.”

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Gardening

One of the quieter joys, keeping plants makes me feel grounded and alive.

favourite songs

Haft — Parastoo Ahmadi Viva La Vida — Coldplay Mirror for the Sun — Sanam Maroufkhani Fırtına — My Fav Childhood series- Yabancı Damat Valse — Evgeny Grinko Sevin Gayrı — Șükriye Tutkun

3. Memberships

2016

Association of National Noble Talents of Iran

University of Tehran

2023

UK ICOMOS

Also joined ICOMOS SDG Working Group and ISCoAH in 2025

2023

Association of Critical Heritage Studies

4. Podcast

Telling Tales along the Tyne Derwent Way

Tyne Derwent Way • 2025

A 9-mile trail connects the heart of Gateshead with the Derwent Valley — and these six episodes give it a voice. Walking from St Mary's Heritage Centre along the Tyne, past Dunston Staiths and through the Land of Oak and Iron to Gibside, we hear from local people, historians and volunteers who know this landscape best. Industrial memory, nature reclaimed, and living community all woven together.

🎙️ 6 episodes ⭐ 5.0 on Apple Podcasts 🗺️ History ▶ Listen on Apple Podcasts

01 St Mary's Heritage Centre 26 min 02 Dunston Staiths 23 min 03 Gateshead Garden Festival 31 min 04 Metrocentre 29 min 05 Crowley's Iron Works 30 min 06 Gibside 25 min