Explore the lives of Bengali and Sylheti-speaking communities living and working in the Cathedral and King St quarters of Norwich.
Follow the walking trail and scan the QR code at each marked location to hear a first-hand account of the lives of residents: their memoires of migration, of growing up as second and third-generation Bengalis, and of how Norwich has changed over time.
There are 14 excerpts in total for you to enjoy — the full audio and transcripts of each are available on our website and from the Norfolk Record Office.
Pass under Erpingham Gate and enter the spectacular grounds of Norwich Cathedral, a historic treasure which began life as an 11th century Benedictine monastery.
Nifa-Karim Uddin and Moyen Uddin
‘People of the future will see that Norfolk is not only a historical place, but also a true melting pot, a meeting place of different cultures.’
Meet Nifa Karim-Uddin, a pharmacist, and her husband Moyen, a GP, who speak fondly of Norfolk as a ‘huge melting pot’ of cultures and histories.
Shefa Begum
‘When we were growing up, there was no mosque in Norwich – nor any provision of Arabic lessons, and there was just one desi restaurant. Of course, people of our community and kind were far scarcer around here also. Now there is a big mosque, and proper facilities for children to study Arabic.’
Discover how the Bengali community in Norwich has changed over time through the eyes of Shefa Begum, who is from one of the earliest Bengali families to settle in the city.
Stories From the Quarter is a National Centre for Writing project in partnership with Norfolk Record Office, funded by National Lottery Heritage Fund. It aims to document and celebrate the stories of the vibrant and diverse communities that live and work in Norwich.
With special thanks to Mahbubar (Mash) Rahman, Shagufta Sharmeen, Ummay Honi Lethe, Access Creative College, Jason Wick at Goat Pen Studio, and Colin Fraser.
