Palestinian publisher, journalist, writer, and activist Bissan Edwan is the new ICORN resident in Lund

Edwan's work is deeply rooted in the themes of exile, identity, resistance, and the human condition, often seen through the lens of Palestinian history and struggle. Exploring the complexities of displacement and the emotional resonance of diaspora, Edwan’s work reflect the individual and collective experiences of those forced to leave their homelands, capturing the tension between belonging and alienation.

Edwan has worked with leading Egyptian research institutions and media outlets for over two decades.Between 2000 and 2007, she worked as a freelance researcher for Al Ahram Centre for Strategic Studies and afterwards as a freelance writer for several Egyptian periodicals including El Helal magazine, Al Badeel newspaper(2006–2008), and Al Shorouq newspaper (2008-2009). Edwan also worked as a reporter for the Ma'an" news agency as a reporter in Cairo (2009-2010).

Between 1999 and 2000, Bissan Edwan collaborated with Palestinian media outlets and academic organisations, such as the Al-Maqdes Studies Centre, the Mashraqeyat Centre for Feminist Studies, and the Palestinian Centre for Democracy and Labour Rights.

As a poet and writer, Edwan blends political activism with literary expression, aiming to challenges the dominant narratives about Palestine and its people. Using storytelling as a form of resistance, Edwan’s works often delve into the intersection of memory, history, and culture, addressing themes of colonisation, social justice, and the resilience of the oppressed.

Edwan is also a member of several professional and civil unions, including the General Union for Palestinian Writers, the Egyptian Publishers Association, the General Union of Palestinian Women, and the Federation ofArab Journalists.

Born in Libya to Palestinian parents, Edwan grew up in Egypt and lived there until 2020. As a result of her frequent criticism of the Egyptian authorities in their treatment of Palestinian refugees and the Palestinian cause, more generally, the Egyptian immigration authorities detained deported Edwan to Turkey in 2020. She lived there until her arrival in Sweden in December 2024.

‍

‍Some of Bissan Edwan's publications:

• Fukuyama Falls in Gaza, Cairo, 2024
• Diaspora Letters: A Narrative of Exile and Epidemic, Palestine, Istanbul, 2022
• The Way is the Fight: Researching Kamal Edwan’s Writings, Cairo, 2015
• Training manual Journalism Writing and Video Journalism for Children, Madarek Centre for Cultural and Media Development, Cairo, 2013
• Training manual Book Marketing', Arabia Association for Electronic Books, 2009.
• Knowledge Management in Civil Society Guidelines, Alternative Studies Centre, Cairo, 2010
• The Islamisation of the National Palestinian Identity, Ramallah, 2007
• Hamas between the Adaptation Procedures and Reaching Authority, Al Ahram Centre for Strategic Studies, 2006
• Palestinians in Iraq: Between Life and Death, Future Studies Centre, Oman, 2006
• The New Globalisation and Racism, with Mai Qabil, Arabic Organization Against Discrimination, Cairo, 2006
• The Racism Wall – Israel’s Racism and Discriminative Policies in Palestine, Arabic Organisation against Discrimination, Cairo, 2005

‍

Lund ICORN City of Refuge

Lund joined ICORN in 2018. Since then, the city has hosted three CORN residents, including Bissan Edwan and Belarusian writer, poet, and opposition politician Vladimir Nekliaev.