Our cover stars of Issue 8 of the magazine are mother and daughter Shayala and Zanib. In this interview, they explored their feelings about their Scottish-Pakistani heritage and what makes home.

Shayala and Zanib | Photos by Audrey Bizouerne, taken at Jasmine Designs

By Zanib Ahmad

Photography by Audrey Bizouerne

Growing up in the Southside, I experienced the buzzing nature of Victoria Road and the multiculturalism reflected through businesses, events and general society. However, ever since I was young, I have been balancing two different cultures and have sometimes found it difficult to express my identity. As a young Scottish-Pakistani woman in Glasgow, I wanted to know if this feeling was personal to me, but I also to learn more about integration in Glasgow and the experience of being a first generation immigrant moving to here, so I sat down to talk with my mum.

My mother is now a 46-year-old housewife with six children. She has bright eyes and the friendliest smile and is sure to have something freshly cooked every day. When I visit, I can smell the aromatics of cumin and onion sizzling. The front door is opened by seven-year-old twins who squeal in excitement that I am home and ask whether I have brought Uno for them to play. When I walk in I take off my shoes immediately and greet my mum. She always has on lipstick, usually a bright fuschia with liner around the outline of her lips. Before I can sit down, she offers me something to eat.

When did you move to Scotland and why did you decide to move here?
I moved here in the late 90s and lived initially outside of Glasgow for a couple of years before moving permanently to the Southside. I have lived in the area for over 20 years. I moved to Glasgow when I got married, but the choice of moving to Scotland was made for me by my elders.
How did you feel moving away from Pakistan?
I felt very excited as there were opportunities here that weren't available in Pakistan. I liked the prospect of being able to provide for my sister and mother and it was always a desire for people to move abroad and gain opportunities. I felt sad that I was so young when moving away, but excited for better prospects in my life. I loved the colder weather, which was something I hadn't experienced before.
What are some of the main features you remember when first moving here?
Govanhill and Pollokshields were the most multicultural areas in Glasgow. The same clothing businesses currently on Cathcart road were here when I moved and have remained with the same families owning them. I also remember it was easy to integrate, as even though I was the first generation within my family to move to Glasgow, I befriended other families who had already integrated into the local society.
In which ways do you feel you integrated into Scottish society?
I learned how to drive, which is something I would have had no opportunity to do if I lived in Pakistan. This was probably the biggest skill I learned which was specific to western society. I didn't overthink about integrating, I went with the flow of things like getting a job. I picked up English fast and can understand it fluently, but I can't speak English with the confidence I would like to.
When thinking about Pakistani cooking, did you find it easy to find the supplies you would here?
Yes, most things like basmati rice and halal meat were readily available in stores. There was not as much selection as there is now, with most supermarkets now stocking these items. What I did find difficult however, was standing and cooking – I was used to sitting down and cooking in Pakistan, so this was a little hard to adjust to.
What do you like best about the local area?
I love the local businesses and shops that are available, and that my culture from Pakistan is now part of society. I love the mix and vibrancy available in Glasgow Southside as it is now a multicultural society.
Would you say that Glaswegian is part of your identity?
Yes, I know more about Glasgow than I do about Pakistan. I have spent 27 years here and 18 years in Pakistan. I class Glasgow as my home and a part of my identity.

After interviewing my mum, I feel a sense of instant connection yet also sympathy. Her reasons for moving here were different in the sense that her choices were made for her, but also that she thought of the prospect of helping her family before helping herself. I feel a sense of gratitude that her move 4000 miles has helped provide her opportunity and settle here, and that Glasgow Southside has welcomed her.