Ariana Magazine

Founder Ariana Abawe, who is originally from Afghanistan =, has received the Young entrepreneur of the year award in 2022 for Ariana Magazine, been interviewed by Voice of America, BBC-, Islam Channel and a variety of other news outlets.

“I studied journalism at university and growing up I always saw Afghanistan portrayed in a negative light. When I told people I am from Afghanistan, they immediately thought of the Taliban or drugs. Afghanistan is much more than that and I wanted to bring the stories and achievements of those from Afghanistan to the forefront. The magazine features interviews of people from Afghanistan living around the world, through culture, traditions, artworks, poetry and much more.

Alongside this, I wanted to give a voice to those particularly suffering such as the Women and Girls' whose basic human rights have been taken away from them, the Hazaras who have had a long history of persecution in the country because of their different religious beliefs, people with disabilities in the country who have faced the impacts of war and much more.”

What has the response been like so far?

It has been 2 years since I started Ariana Magazine and I have published 11 issues. The responses have been incredible. My target audience was initially those who were non-Afghans and the diaspora who have grown up abroad and are not able to visit Afghanistan. Non-Afghans have praised it for showing them a representation of the country which they never have seen before. Likewise, the diaspora has been deeply connected by it, as it has allowed them to have a part of their homeland with them.

Artwork by: @fatima_art.404

What advice do you have for other young writers wanting to start a magazine?

My advice would be to pick a niche which you are passionate about. I also emphasise trying to give back to the community, whether it be by getting the community involved by sending submissions or participating in events or supporting a charity.