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Local Resident to Share Story of Escape from Iran
Facing religious persecution in his homeland, Nurdel's book tells of his dangerous escape from Iran as a young man in 1988. Nurdel said, “We fled illegally, with the help of Kurdish smugglers, traversing on foot over a forbidding, snowy, mountainous landscape.” After weeks of struggle and moments where he felt certain he would perish, Nurdel reached the safety of the United Nations refugee center in Ankara, Turkey. Since the 1979 revolution, millions of Iranians have fled to Turkey seeking political and religious freedom.
Nurdel's book also details what it was like to be a member of The Baha'i Faith living in Iran. He said, “Iranian Bahá’ís are routinely arrested, detained, tortured, imprisoned, and executed without cause.” He added that they are also barred from higher education. The Baha'i Faith, an independent religion founded in the 1840s, is considered by the Islamic Republic of Iran as a blasphemous, illegitimate religion.
From his home in Castle Pines today, he watches as protesters clash with Revolutionary Guards, calling for an end to the Islamic Republic after the brutal, unwarranted deaths of young men and women whose only crimes (like his) are a desire to be recognized, heard, valued, and respected. His book provides a never-before-seen look at what life in Iran is like for those who have no power, no voice, and no freedoms.
Nurdel, a longtime resident of Douglas county, is a board-certified optometrist with offices throughout the Denver metro area. He resides in Castle Pines with his wife and two sons.
His book reading, sponsored by The Baha'is of Castle Rock, is a free event.
Event Links
Website: https://go.evvnt.com/1611158-0
