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Storytelling is one of Syria’s greatest traditions and Al Hakawati (the Storyteller) holds a special place in Syrian culture. As a nod to this, Hands Up is presenting a series of stories online, told by voices you'll recognise. All we ask in return is a donation to support Hands Up's work in Syria and Lebanon, which is needed more than ever as the threat of COVID-19 spreads. All stories will be published here for you to listen to and enjoy.
Sculptor & Archaeologist, Zahed Tajeddin, kindly introduces our series of stories online told by some of the UK’s best-loved voices from wherever they are in isolation...
More Details'The Slaying of the Corona Dragon' was penned and read by Journalist and Broadcaster David Dimbleby at his home in spring 2020. He wrote it for his grandchildren, as they adjusted to a world isolated by Corona Virus and no school...
More DetailsThe second reading from our Al Hakawati series, comes from broadcaster and journalist, Mishal Husain, who you may recognize from the Today programme on Radio 4 amongst others...
More DetailsOur third Storyteller is the brilliant Iain Burnside, a Pianist and Broadcaster, whose voice you may know from BBC Radio 3‘s Sunday Morning back in the day...
More DetailsActor and Impressionist Jan Ravens, has generously agreed to be our 4th storyteller in the series. She's chosen a short story from Philippa Gregory's collection 'Bread and Chocolate' published by HarperCollins...
More DetailsOur 5th story in the Al Hakawati series comes from the brilliant TV & Radio Broadcaster, Petroc Trelawny, who you will usually hear on BBC Radio 3’s Breakfast...
More DetailsThe 6th story from our Al Hakawati series is from the intrepid author, photographer and filmmaker Levison Wood. Levison reads the introduction from his book 'The Last Giants, The Rise and Fall of the African Elephant', published by Hachette in February this year...
More DetailsPrepare to be transported to the magical old city of Damascus. The 7th story from our Al Hakawati series is from the brilliantly witty author and journalist Brigid Keenan...
More DetailsOur 8th story in the Al Hakawati series comes from actor and director Samuel West, who has chosen to read the magical tale of 'Melisande' by E Nesbit from his mother's 1938 copy...
More DetailsOur 9th story from our Al Hakawati series is an insightful and very moving piece from none other than Broadcaster and author, Clare Balding...
More DetailsOur 10th story from the Al Hakawati series comes from the magnificent Michael Morpurgo, who reads his short story, ‘The Kites are Flying’ published by Walker Books in full...
More DetailsOur 11th story from the Al Hakawati series comes from the Writer & Broadcaster Anthony Sattin, who reads an extract from his book The Pharaoh's Shadow (published by Eland Publishing in 2012 and available at all good bookstores!) titled 'The Man who Laughed in the Tomb'...
More DetailsOur 12th story from the Al Hakawati series comes from the Author Barnaby Rogerson, who reads his piece 'Dream at Tartus'. Barnaby is a leading British travel author and publisher and has written several travel books as well as a biography of the The Prophet Muhammad...
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