A Syrian Resident's Journey to Finding Home in Berlin

• Mahmoud, a Syrian resident in Berlin, shares his experience as a guide and refugee through the non-profit 'Querstadtein e.V.'
• The organization facilitates tours led by homeless individuals and migrants to offer unique perspectives on city life.

Background and Independence

• Raised in a household that emphasized shared responsibility, Mahmoud developed early independence through chores and market errands.
• This background influences his appreciation for Berlin's street markets, where he values personal interaction and trade over corporate retail.

Activism in Syria

• Following the 2011 protests in Syria, Mahmoud helped establish an independent student union when existing university organizations began functioning as government surveillance units.
• He organized numerous demonstrations until the arrest of his peers necessitated an immediate flight from the country in 2011.

Life in Berlin

• After residing in Jordan, Mahmoud arrived in Germany in 2020 and became part of 'Refugio,' a collaborative living and workspace for new and long-time Berliners.
• He now conducts walking tours that bridge his past in Syria with his present in Berlin, viewing himself as a traveler rather than someone with a permanent, static definition of 'home.'
• Recent visits to his homeland confirmed his shifted perspective, acknowledging his personal evolution while remaining happy with his independent life in Germany.